Trigonopeltastes delta

Trigonopeltastes delta
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Coleoptera
Suborder:	Polyphaga
Infraorder:	Scarabaeiformia
Family:	Scarabaeidae
Genus:	Trigonopeltastes
Species:	T. delta
Binomial name
Trigonopeltastes delta Forster, 1771

Trigonopeltastes delta, the delta flower scarab or D beetle, is a diurnal species of scarab beetle native to the southeastern United States, though their range extends as far north as New Jersey.

Description

Adult on a coastalplain palafox flower.

Adults measure 8-10 millimeters in length, and can be identified by the yellow triangle on the pronotum, which resembles the defensive coloration of many wasps and has been theorized to act as Batesian mimicry. ^[1] They can be found from late spring through the summer on flowers, including those of Queen Anne's lace and New Jersey tea. ^[2]

Etymology

The generic name is derived from Greek words meaning "triangular shield", with the specific name "delta" referring to the pattern on the dorsal side of the beetle's prothorax, which is reminiscent of the Greek letter delta. ^[3]

References

1. "Delta Flower Scarab - Trigonopeltastes delta".
2. Evans, Arthur V. (2014). Beetles of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press. p. 177. ISBN   978-1-4008-5182-9.
3. "Delta Flower Scarab - Trigonopeltastes delta (Förster)".

External links

• www.bugguide.net Retrieved May 23, 2014
• North American Insects and Spiders Retrieved May 23, 2014