Insects and Spiders - native

unknown on Jul 21, 2024

Originally reported as European Chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

I used to work within ODA's IPPM program as part of the Japanese Beetle team. I would have submitted this insect as a suspected Oriental Beetle/European Chafer/Asiatic Garden Beetle. Not sure which one but either way, I figured I should let y'all know!

I didn't have anything to store it in so I did not keep the specimen.

Commentary

There are several native small, brown scarab beetles that could superficially look like Asiatic Garden beetle. For example, species in the genus Serica which can sometimes be very common and are attracted to lights.

Unfortunately, I am unable to make a positive identification of the beetle based on the picture alone. The way to separate the genus Serica from the genus Maladera (the genus that includes Asiatic Garden beetle) is to count the number of antennal segments.

Thanks for being on the lookout!

Tom Valente
July 23, 2024, 7:09 a.m.

Location

I'm on vacation at Sunriver in one of the houses available to rent! We are overlooking a golf course.

Expert Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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