May Beetle

May Beetle, Scarabaeidae, Kakamega, Kenya. Photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed at lights, Kakamega Forest, Kenya, Oct. 2015. Length is about 13mm.

Many, many species of may beetles belonging to the scarab family are likely to exist in Kenya. This one has many fine punctations (pits) arrayed on the elytra and the pronotum. The grubs of may beetles live in the soil and many are associated with dung of ungulates or soil humus. Look for the c-shaped grubs tunneling beneath dung piles.

Scarabaeidae -- Scarab Beetle Family -- Melolonthinae subfamily

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 14 April 2017.