Southern Masked Chafer
ExploreInsects
Southern Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala lurida
The Southern Masked Chafer is a small beetle with a shiny body and furry underside. These little insects are often found in gardens and lawns, where they help break down organic matter.
Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens
Appearance
The Southern Masked Chafer is a small, oval-shaped beetle, typically tan to reddish-brown with a darker, sometimes black, head capsule that looks like a mask. Its body is smooth and shiny, giving it a polished appearance and setting it apart from hairy chafer species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyScarabaeidaeGenusCyclocephala
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult masked chafers only live for a few weeks, mostly to find a mate!
Their larvae are C-shaped grubs that live hidden underground.
These beetles are often seen swarming lights on warm summer nights!
They belong to the amazing scarab beetle family, known for their strong bodies!
Special abilities
Ability
Powerful Diggers
Southern Masked Chafers have strong front legs adapted for digging, which helps them burrow into the soil to lay eggs and escape predators.
Ability
Night Navigator
Southern Masked Chafers can navigate at night using their keen sense of smell, helping them find mates and food sources.
Ability
Soil Shelterers
Southern Masked Chafer grubs live hidden underground for most of their lives, providing protection from predators and harsh weather.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-28 mm
- Size
- 10-14 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Grubs eat grass roots; adults may nibble flowers or not eat much at all.
Age differences: Larvae (grubs) eat grass roots, while adults feed very little, if at all, sometimes on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Grass roots
- Plant roots
- Decaying organic matter
- Flower nectar
- Pollen
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Annual Bluegrass
Poa annua
Grubs feed on the roots of this common turfgrass.
eats
Perennial Ryegrass
Lolium perenne
The larvae damage turf by consuming roots of this grass.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Robins often pull Southern Masked Chafer grubs from lawns.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons dig up lawns to feast on chafer grubs.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These beetles are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Masked Chafer's wingspan?
20-28 mm
How big is Southern Masked Chafer?
10-14 mm
How long does Southern Masked Chafer live?
14-30 days
How fast can Southern Masked Chafer fly?
10 km/h
What does Southern Masked Chafer eat?
Grubs eat grass roots; adults may nibble flowers or not eat much at all.
Where is Southern Masked Chafer usually found?
Urban areas, Gardens
How does Southern Masked Chafer hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Southern Masked Chafer have?
6
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