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Southern Masked Chafer

Southern Masked Chafer

Cyclocephala lurida

A species of Masked chafers

The southern Masked Chafer (Cyclocephala lurida) is considered one of the biggest pest of turf in the midwest United States. Much like our kids, they grow out of being a pest, as the adults do not feed on roots. If the females are unable to mate in time, they go back to the ground where they are known to attract a similar beetle, the northern masked chafer (Cyclocephala borealis).

General Info About Southern Masked Chafer
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Attributes of Southern Masked Chafer
Habitat
underground; grassland
Adult Food Sources
Foliage, flowers, fruit, plant shoots, roots
Larva Food Source
Decaying leaves, rotting wood, decayed vegetation, organic matter in soil, manure
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Southern Masked Chafer is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Southern Masked Chafer feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
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Species Status of Southern Masked Chafer
It is distributed in the Midwestern United States.
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Distribution Area of Southern Masked Chafer
United States
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Appearance of Southern Masked Chafer
It is a brown beetle with a black head, with an adult length of 1.02 - 1.5 cm. The larvae of the southern Masked Chafer are commonly known as white grubs and grow to a length of about 2.5 cm.
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How to Identify Southern Masked Chafer?

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Life Cycle of Southern Masked Chafer
Egg The egg of southern Masked Chafer is small and typically laid in soil. It is oval in shape and its color may vary but generally blends with the environment to avoid predation.
Larva The larvae are white, C-shaped grubs with brown heads. They grow through several molts, increasing in size. Larvae primarily feed and store energy.
Pupal The pupa exhibits the adult’s basic form. During this stage, southern Masked Chafer is motionless, undergoing significant transformation internally and externally towards its mature morphology.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult southern Masked Chafer has hardened exoskeleton, distinct elytra, and functional wings. It's larger in size, with sexual dimorphism often present.
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Predators of Adult Southern Masked Chafer
Birds, bats, reptiles, spiders, predatory insects
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Interesting Facts About Southern Masked Chafer
Southern Masked Chafer can change its color in response to environmental conditions, shifting from a dull brown to a vibrant green.
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Scientific Classification of Southern Masked Chafer
Tips for Finding Southern Masked Chafer
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Youth Habitat of Southern Masked Chafer
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Southern Masked Chafer
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Southern Masked Chafer
Decaying plant material, ripe fruits, or specially formulated beetle bait can be used as traps for southern Masked Chafer due to their feeding habits.
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Habitat Preferences of Southern Masked Chafer Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of southern Masked Chafer typically reside in soil rich in organic matter, where they feed on plant roots and decomposing vegetation. Searching for them requires gently digging through the soil, especially under the turf or decaying logs. As pupae, they remain in the soil, often within a cocoon made of soil and organic materials. Locating the pupae involves careful excavation of the ground. Adult southern Masked Chafer can be found around flowering plants, as they feed on nectar and plant sap at night. To spot the adults, one would need to check such plants after dusk or use light traps, as they are attracted to light.
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How and Where Can You Find Southern Masked Chafer at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of southern Masked Chafer are often found in decaying wood, leaf litter, or underground near roots. Locate them by carefully digging in these types of environments, using a spade and gloves to avoid harming them.
Pupal Southern Masked Chafer pupae are typically buried in soil or found within decayed wood. They can be found by gently excavating in these materials, using caution not to damage the pupae.
Adult Adult southern Masked Chafer are attracted to lights and can often be found on or around trees, flowers, and ripe fruits. Seeking them out by using a flashlight or setting up a light trap during the night can be effective. Look near the base of trees, in crevices, or on the underside of leaves.
Are Southern Masked Chafer harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Southern Masked Chafer
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Garden and Landscape Pest

Larvae of southern Masked Chafer feed on the roots of lawn grasses and ornamental flowers, causing yellowing and death in severe infestations. While a few larvae may only cause mild damage, a high population can devastate gardens, impacting human enjoyment and property aesthetics.

More Effects of Southern Masked Chafer

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