Ten-lined June beetle

2025-06-13T08:26:36Z

47.158.253.71:

{{Short description|Species of beetle}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Ten-lined June beetle
| image = Polyphylla decemlineata aka Ten-lined June beetle 2015-05-21.jpg
| taxon = Polyphylla decemlineata
| authority = ([[Thomas Say|Say]], 1823)
}}

The '''ten-lined June beetle''' (''Polyphylla decemlineata''), also known as the '''watermelon beetle''', is a [[scarabaeidae|scarab beetle]] found in the western United States and Canada. The adults are attracted to light and feed on [[foliage]]. They can make a hissing sound when touched or otherwise disturbed, which can resemble the hissing of a [[Mouse-eared bat|bat]]. This sound is made by their wings pushing down, forcing the air out between their wings and back. They can be an agricultural pest affecting a wide range of crops because their larvae feed on plant roots and can weaken or kill the plants.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tenlined June beetle|url=http://jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu/opm/displaySpecies.php?pn=640|work=Orchard Pest Management Online|publisher=Washington State University Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center|access-date=26 June 2012}}</ref>

==Description==
They are relatively large in size, some growing to sizes as large as 1.5 inches (3 cm) or more. As in other members of this genus, the males have large distinctive [[Antenna (biology)|antennae]] consisting of several [[Lamella (anatomy)|lamellate]] plates, which they close up when threatened. The antennae are used to detect pheromones emitted by the females.<ref>{{cite web|last=Department of Entomology|title=Ten Lined June Beetle|url=http://entomology.wsu.edu/outreach/bug-info/ten-lined-june-beetle/|publisher=Washington State University|access-date=5 July 2013}}</ref> The wing covers ([[elytron|elytra]]) have four long white stripes and one short stripe each. The underside of the thorax is covered with brownish hairs.
[[File:Polyphylla decemlineata July 26 2017 (2).jpg|thumb|Ten-lined June beetle, [[Coquitlam]], July 26, 2017.]]

==Identification==
This species is commonly confused with ''Polyphylla Critina'', also known as the [[Polyphylla crinita|'''Long Haired June Beetle''']]. ''Polyphylla Decemlineata'', or the '''ten-lined June beetle''', has [[Insect scale|scales]] on the protonum. The Long Haired June beetle (''Polyphylla Critina'') instead has [[Seta|setae]] (hair) on the [[Prothorax|protonum]]. Due to this difference, these species require high resolution photos for differentiation between the two.

==Life cycle==
Eggs: The eggs are oval, dull, and creamy. They are about 1/16 of an inch long.<ref>{{cite web|last=Department of Entomology|title=Ten Lined June Beetle|url=http://entomology.wsu.edu/outreach/bug-info/ten-lined-june-beetle/|publisher=Washington State University|access-date=4 July 2017}}</ref>
<br/>
Larva: The grub can grow up to 2 inches with 3 pairs of legs, with a white body and brown head. The larval stage can last as long as 4 years.

<gallery>
Polyphylla decemlineata MHNT femelle dos.jpg|Dorsal side <big>♀</big>
Polyphylla decemlineata MHNT femelle ventre.jpg|Ventral side <big>♀</big>
Ten Lined June Beetle.JPG|Ten Lined June Beetle <big>♂</big>
Ten Lined June Beetle - Open.JPG|Ten Lined June Beetle - Open <big>♂</big>
Polyphylla decemlineata morning stretches 2016-05-27.webm|Coming back to life after a cool night
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Polyphylla decemlineata}}
{{Wikispecies|Polyphylla decemlineata|Ten-lined June beetle}}
* [https://www2.palomar.edu/users/warmstrong/redmite3.htm Wayne's Word page on beetles]
* [https://www.thedailygarden.us/garden-word-of-the-day/ten-lined-june-beetles The Daily Garden - Ten-lined June Beetle]

{{Taxonbar|from=Q2378176}}

[[Category:Beetles of North America]]
[[Category:Polyphylla]]
[[Category:Beetles described in 1823]]

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Ten-lined June beetle