Dichelonyx vicinus ( Fall, 1901 )

McPeak, Ron H., Lago, Paul K. & Hanley, Guy A., 2020, Two New Sulcate Species of Dichelonyx Harris (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Dichelonychini) from Southern California, USA and Baja California, Mexico, The Coleopterists Bulletin 74 (1), pp. 45-59 : 57

Dichelonyx vicinus ( Fall, 1901)

( Fig. 27 )

Dichelonycha [sic] vicina Fall 1901: 291 .

Dichelonyx vicinus is the largest sulcate Dichelonyx species in southern California, ranging from 8.5 to 13.7 mm in length ( Fig. 27 ). This species occurs at higher elevations (1,374–1,893 m in San Diego County), where adults eat needles of several species of conifers ( Fall 1901). Specimens are frequently collected at light. It is readily distinguished from other sulcate species occurring in the area by its large size and bright metallic green or blue elytra. The species is common in San Diego County and presumably occurs in Baja California where similar coniferous habitats exist .

Figures

Fig. 27. Dichelonyx vicinus, male habitus.