Abstract The larva of pentodontine S. laminifer is described for first time based on specimens collected under roots of sugarcane in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Diagnostic structures are illustrated and the differences and similarities with other previously described larvae of South American genera of Pentodontini are outlined. A key to the larvae of some American genera of pentodontines is included.

Abstract Description of immature stages of Platycoelia valida Burmeister, 1844 (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini). Third instar larva and pupa of P. valida are described for the first time based on specimens collected in soils of yucca and coffee fields in Cundinamarca, Colombia. Illustrations of diagnostic structures and keys to the known third-stage larvae of Rutelinae tribes and Platycoelia species are included. Data on the biology and distribution of P. valida in Colombia are also commented.

ResumenEl archipiélago cubano cuenta con 79 especies de Phyllophaga (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae), con un 98.6 % de endemismo, lo cual le confiere al grupo importancia desde el punto de vista de biodiversidad y económica, al ser algunas especies plagas de cultivos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la relación entre la composición y estructura de los ensambles de Phyllophaga y el tipo de hábitat (en cuanto a formación vegetal y grado de alteración humana). Durante la estación de lluvia fueron muestreadas 17 localidades del occidente de Cuba, las que difieren en cuanto al tipo de hábitat y grado de alteración. Las recolectas fueron realizadas con una trampa de luz tipo pantalla (McFarland, 1966). Se recolectaron 1 153 ejemplares de 24 especies de Phyllophaga. La abundancia total de individuos recolectados varió entre 10 y 306 y la riqueza de especies entre dos y nueve especies. Phyllophaga dissimilis (Chevrolat) fue la especie más abundante y la de mayor frecuencia de ocurrencia. De manera general, las localidades menos antropizadas reflejaron comunidades más ricas y equitativas, aunque estas características también la tuvieron dos sitios que tienen grado de alteración intermedia. El escalado multidimensional no métrico, reflejó que las muestras más semejantes entre sí fueron las pertenecientes a lugares muy antropizados, esta semejanza estuvo dada principalmente por la abundancia de Phyllophaga dissimilis, P. insulaepinorum y P. puberula. La distancia geográfica no se relacionó con la similitud de los ensambles.

Abstract:The Cuban archipelago has 79 Phyllophaga species with a 98.6 % of endemism, which makes the group ecologically and economically important, as some species are classified as crop pests. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the composition and structure of the Phyllophaga assemblages with their habitat type, considering both plant structure and level of human habitat disturbance. A total of 17 locations were sampled in Western Cuba during the rainy seasons of the period from 2011 to 2015; these differed in habitat types (forests and agroecosystems). Samplings followed standard methods and were made once with a light trap screen in each locality. A total of 1 153 individuals of 24 Phyllophaga species were collected. The total abundance of collected individuals varied between 10 and 306, and species richness between two and nine species. The most abundant species was Phyllophaga dissimilis (Chevrolat) which also had the highest frequency of occurrence. Generally, less anthropized sites reflected richer and equitative communities; although these characteristics appeared in two sites that showed intermediate degree of disturbance. The non-metric multidimensional scaling showed that the most similar samples were those of the very anthropized sites; this similarity was given mainly by the abundance of Phyllophaga dissimilis, P. insualepinorum and P. puberula. Besides, the geographical distance was not related to the similarity of these assemblages. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 351-363. Epub 2017 March 01.

Abstract: Previous studies of the genus Phyllophaga Harris, 1827 have provided evidence that would allow the subgenus Chlaenobia Blanchard, 1850 to be restored at the genus level. Moreover, they suggest that Chirodines Bates, 1888 could be a branch of the ancestral stem of species included in subgenus Chlaenobia, because it shares with them the highest number of morphological characters. To test the Chlaenobia status and to corroborate the monophyly of Chlaenobia + Chirodines, a phylogenetic study based on parsimony, including 12 representatives of such genera and 88 taxa of other groups of Phyllophaga s. lato was carried out. The topology obtained in the strict consensus tree shows that the Chlaenobia limits are very clear (bootstrap of 80%), supported by 3 synapomorphies and a combination of 4 character states that are not exclusive to the group. Based on the hypothesis obtained, the revalidation of Chlaenobia as genus and the synonymy of Chirodines are proposed.

Resumen: Estudios previos del género Phyllophaga Harris, 1827 han aportado evidencias que permitirían restituir al subgénero Chlaenobia Blanchard, 1850 a nivel de género. Por otra parte, sugieren que Chirodines Bates, 1888 podría constituir una rama del tronco ancestral de las especies incluidas en Chlaenobia pues con ellas comparte el mayor número de caracteres morfológicos. Para comprobar el estatus de Chlaenobia y corroborar la monofilia de Chlaenobia + Chirodines se realizó un estudio filogenético basado en parsimonia, que incluyó 12 representantes de estos subgéneros y 88 taxones de otros grupos de Phyllophaga s. lato. La topología obtenida en el árbol de consenso estricto muestra que los límites de Chlaenobia son muy claros (bootstrap del 80%), sustentados por 3 sinapomorfías y una combinación de 4 estados de carácter que no son exclusivos para el grupo. Con base en la hipótesis obtenida se propone la revalidación de Chlaenobia como género y la sinonimia de Chirodines.

Abstract: A study of the scarab beetles fauna of Huehuetitla canyon, in Tlaxcala state, Mexico is presented. Samples were obtained from August 2008 to December 2009 in Juniperus forest and secondary vegetation located at elevation of 2,600 m. We obtained 2,751 specimens than represent five families, seven subfamilies and 23 species of the following genera: Phyllophaga, Diplotaxis, Cyclocephala, Orizabus, Lygirus, Xyloryctes, Chrysina, Paranomala, Cotinis, Euphoria, Eucanthus, Labarrus, Cephalocyclus, Liothorax, Gonaphodiellus and Trox. The genus with the highest number of species was Phyllophaga (5 spp.), while Cephalocyclus fuliginosus was the most abundant specie with the 50.4% of the total sample. In addition, by mean of Parsimony Analysis of Endemism the relationship with other regional faunas is presented, where Huehuetitla canyon is grouped together with the faunas of Michilía, Durango and Villa de Allende, Estado de México. Its generic composition has a predominance of elements belonging to Paleoamerican pattern followed by elements of the Mexican Plateau.

Resumen: Se presenta un estudio sobre las especies de coleópteros lamelicornios establecidas en la barranca de Huehuetitla, a 2,300-2,600 m de altitud en el estado de Tlaxcala. Durante las colectas realizadas entre agosto de 2008 y diciembre de 2009 en bosque de enebro y vegetación secundaria, se obtuvieron 2,751 ejemplares que representan cinco familias, siete subfamilias y 23 especies de los géneros: Phyllophaga, Diplotaxis, Cyclocephala, Orizabus, Ligyrys, Xyloryctes, Chrysina, Paranomala, Cotinis, Euphoria, Eucanthus, Labarrus, Cephalocyclus, Liothorax, Gonaphodiellus y Trox. El género con mayor número de especies fue Phyllophaga (5 spp.), mientras que Cephalocyclus fuliginosus fue la especie más abundante con el 50.4% de la muestra total. Por medio de un Análisis de Parsimonia de Endemismos se muestra la relación con otras faunas regionales, donde la barranca de Huehuetitla quedó agrupada junto con las faunas de La Michilía, Durango y Villa de Allende, Estado de México. Su composición genérica tiene un predominio de elementos pertenecientes al patrón Paleoamericano, seguido de elementos del Altiplano Mexicano.

Abstract: Third instar larvae and pupae of Phyllophaga heteronycha (Bates) and P.leonina (Bates), and third instar larva of P.angulicollis (Bates) are described with specimens collected in soils of a Pseudotsuga macrolepis (Pinaceae) plantation, located at 2,300 m in Las Vigas, Veracruz, Mexico. Comparative brief descriptions of larvae of the first and second instars of the 3 species, drawings of diagnostic structures, comments on similarities with other species, and a key to the larvae of Phyllophaga in Mexico are included.

Resumen: Se describen las larvas de tercer estadio y las pupas de Phyllophaga heteronycha (Bates) y P.leonina (Bates) y la larva de tercer estadio de P.angulicollis (Bates), con ejemplares colectados en suelos de una plantación de Pseudotsuga macrolepis (Pinaceae) establecida a 2,300 m de altitud en Las Vigas, Veracruz, México. Se incluyen diagnosis comparativas de las larvas del primer y segundo estadios de las 3 especies, ilustraciones de las estructuras características, comentarios sobre las similitudes con larvas de otras especies y una clave para la identificación de las larvas de Phyllophaga en México.

Abstract: The alpha and beta diversity (dissimilarity) of Melolonthinae, Rutelinae, and Dynastinae beetles recorded from 8 studies of the Transmexican Volcanic Belt was assessed. Two measures of alpha diversity: the number of species and the taxonomic diversity were used. As expected, taxonomic diversity and species richness have different trends. The community with the highest species richness (Popocatepetl), had low taxonomic diversity, while in communities with relatively low richness (Huehuetitla, Zapata, La Malinche, Iztaccíhuatl and Pico de Orizaba), taxonomic diversity had low and high values. Beta diversity was also assessed with 2 measures: species dissimilarity and taxonomic dissimilarity. Species dissimilarity ranged from 61% to 94%, while the taxonomic dissimilarity was between 29% and 68%. As expected, there is a significant relationship between species and taxonomic dissimilarity, and no correlations between dissimilarity and the geographic distance between localities were found. This study highlights the importance of using complementary diversity metrics that take into account evolutionary information of ecological communities, mainly in regions with a complex biogeographical history.

Resumen: Se evalúa la diversidad alfa y beta (disimilitud) de escarabajos Melolonthinae, Rutelinae y Dynastinae registrados en 8 estudios faunísticos de la Faja Volcánica Transmexicana. La diversidad alfa se analizó utilizando 2 medidas: la riqueza de especies y la diversidad taxonómica. Como se esperaba, la diversidad taxonómica y la riqueza de especies siguen tendencias distintas. La comunidad con mayor riqueza de especies (Popocatépetl) mostró una baja diversidad taxonómica, en tanto que en comunidades con valores comparativamente bajos de riqueza (Huehuetitla, Zapata, La Malinche, Iztaccíhuatl y Pico de Orizaba), la diversidad taxonómica resultó con valores bajos y altos. La diversidad beta también se evaluó con 2 medidas: disimilitud de especies y disimilitud taxonómica. La disimilitud de especies varió del 61% al 94%, mientras que la disimilitud taxonómica varió del 29% al 68%. De acuerdo a lo esperado, se encontró una relación significativa entre la disimilitud de especies y la disimilitud taxonómica, y no se detectan correlaciones entre la disimilitud y la distancia geográfica entre localidades. Este estudio remarca la importancia del uso complementario de medidas de diversidad que consideren la información evolutiva de las comunidades, principalmente en zonas con una compleja historia biogeográfica.

ABSTRACT Third stage larvae and pupae are described based on specimens collected in Mexico: Oaxaca (Cerro Zempoaltepetl), and Chiapas (Amatenango), respectively. Pupal characters are described for the first time for American Hopliinae. Habitus images and figures of diagnostic characters as well as comments on the differences between these larvae and those of Hoplia callipyge LeConte, 1856 and H. equina LeConte, 1880, the only Hopliinae larvae previously known in New World, are also included.

Abstract: The third instar larvae of Phyllophaga lenis (Horn, 1887) is described with specimens reared in laboratory whose progenitors were captured in agriculture field of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca. The pictures of diagnostic characters, notes on it biology and habits, comments about the differences with similar species, and a key to identify larvae of fifteen Mexican species of Phyllophaga are included.

Resumen: Se describe el tercer estadio larval de Phyllophaga lenis (Horn, 1887) con especímenes criados en laboratorio, cuyos progenitores fueron capturados en un campo agrícola de Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca. Se incluyen las imágenes de los caracteres diagnósticos, notas sobre su biología y hábitos, comentarios acerca de las diferencias con otras especies mexicanas parecidas y una clave para separar las larvas de 15 especies de Phyllophaga en México.

During March, 2013 large numbers of specimens of Gymnetis pudibunda Burmeister and G. chevrolat Gory et Percheron were attracted to honey bee hives in localities of Virú and Lurín, Peru. Around 150-200 cetonid beetles were observed around each beehive, and some of them invaded honey reservoirs. Brief comments to explain the increase of cetonid populations are included.

A comparative analysis of beetles of the family Scarabaeidae (sensu stricto) from "Rancho Canaletas", Paso del Macho, in central Veracruz State, Mexico, is presented. Data were obtained from january to december in 2008 in an evergreen tropical forest (SP) and a cattle grazing plot (PT), at an altitude of 500 m above sea level. Copro-necrophagous beetles were captured with traps baited with human feces or squid, and by hand in cow dung, obtaining 560 individuals from 3 families, 11 genera and 18 species. The species Canthidium centrale (Boucomont), Canthon euryscelis (Bates), Deltochilum pseudoparile (Paulian), Deltochilum scabriusculum (Bates), Eurysternus angustulus (Harold) and Sulcophanaeus chryseicollis (Harold) are exclusive to SP, and Coprophanaeus pluto (Harold) y Omorgus rubricans (Robinson) are exclusive to PT. Species richness, diversity and abundance is higher in SP than PT; the beetle fauna in this locality can be associated with the fauna from Pipiapan, Boca del Chajul and Los Tuxtlas, from the states of Veracruz and Chiapas.

Se presenta un estudio de coleópteros Scarabaeidae (sensu stricto) encontrados en el "Rancho Canaletas", de Paso del Macho, Veracruz. Los datos se obtuvieron de enero a diciembre de 2008 en una selva perennifolia (SP) y en un potrero (PT), situados a 500 m de altitud. Por medio de coprotrampas (CPT), necrotrampas permanentes (NTP) y colectas directas sobre estiércol de ganado vacuno, se obtuvo una muestra de 560 individuos representantes de tres familias, once géneros y 18 especies. Las especies Canthidium centrale (Boucomont), Canthon euryscelis (Bates), Deltochilum pseudoparile (Paulian), Deltochilum scabriusculum (Bates), Eurysternus angustulus (Harold) y Sulcophanaeus chryseicollis (Harold) son exclusivas de SP, mientras que Coprophanaeus pluto (Harold) y Omorgus rubricans (Robinson) son exclusivas de PT. Se aprecia mayor riqueza, diversidad y abundancia en SP que en PT; la coleopterofauna de esta localidad se agrupa con las de Pipiapan, Veracruz, Boca del Chajul, Chiapas y Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a relação entre a densidade populacional de espécies de corós (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) reconhecidas como pragas e as outras espécies da mesma família que ocorrem em áreas cultivadas e não cultivadas no planalto, ao norte do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram realizadas amostragens em 23 municípios no período de julho a setembro, nos anos 2009 e 2010, em uma área cultivada e outra sem cultivo. Em cada área, foram abertas trincheiras de 50x25x30cm de profundidade. As larvas coletadas foram identificadas e reunidas em dois grupos: corós-praga e corós de outras espécies. Comparou-se a densidade populacional (no de larvas m-2) entre os dois grupos nas áreas cultivadas e não cultivadas. A densidade de outras espécies foi superior à densidade de espécies-praga, tanto nas áreas cultivadas (9,0 e 3,9 larvas m-2, respectivamente) quanto nas áreas não cultivadas (6,6 e 3,9 larvas m-2, respectivamente). Não há diferença na densidade populacional média de corós-praga entre áreas cultivadas e não cultivadas

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the population density of pest and other species of white grubs (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) occurring in cultivated and uncultivated fields in the planalto region, in northern Rio Grande do Sul. Sampling was carried through 23 municipalities, from July to September 2009 and 2010 in two areas, one cultivated and another noncultivated, In each area, trenches of 50x25x30cm were opened. Melolontid larvae collected were identified and gathered in two groups: "pest-species" and "other species". Populational density (no of larvae m-2) of the two groups were compared between cultivated and noncultivated areas. The "other species" density was higher than pest community in both cultivated (9,0 e 3,9 larvae m-2) and noncultivated areas (6,6 e 3,9 larvae m-2 respectively). There is no difference between means of pest species population density between cultivated and noncultivated areas

Se describen tres Phyllophaga (s. str.): Phyllophaga velezangeli, nueva especie del grupo “schizorhina” recolectada en una localidad montañosa del departamento de Boyacá, ubicada a 1 989 m de altitud; y P. citarae, nueva especie del grupo “rorulenta” que habita en el bosque tropical perennifolio establecido a 70 m snm en Tutunendo, departamento de Chocó y P. densata chocoana, nueva subespecie del grupo “rugipennis” localizada en bosques tropicales perennifolios de Chocó y Risaralda. Phyllophaga densata densata (Moser) se registra por primera ocasión para Colombia. Se incluyen ilustraciones de los caracteres diagnósticos, habitus y comentarios sobre sus diferencias con otras especies de los grupos citados.

Descriptions of new species of Phyllophaga (s.str.) from Colombia are presented: P. velezangeli, n. sp. of the group “schizorhina” from Andean forests at 1 989 m of elevation in the department of Boyacá; and P. citarae, n. sp. of the group “rorulenta” from tropical rain forest at 70 m of elevation in Tutunendo, department of Choco. Phyllophaga densata chocoana, n. ssp. of the group “rugipennis” from tropical rain forests of Chocó and Risaralda is also described. Phyllophaga densata densata (Moser) is recorded for the first time to Colombia . Figures of diagnostic characters, habitus of males, and comments about differences of the new species with other species of such groups are included.

Se presentan las descripciones de la larva de tercer estadio de Paranomala flavilla (Bates), P. hoepfneri (Bates) y Strigoderma costulipennis Bates, recolectadas en el estado de Puebla, México, en suelos con cultivo de amaranto (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.). Se incluyen ilustraciones distintivas y comentarios sobre las diferencias con las larvas de otras especies de los géneros estudiados en México.

The third instar larvae of Paranomala flavilla (Bates), P. hoepfneri (Bates) and Strigoderma costulipennis Bates, collected in Puebla, Mexico, in soils cultivated with amaranth are described. Illustrations of the diagnostic structures and comments on the differences with other larvae of the genera studied in Mexico are included.

A brief review on the 1 179 species of Coleoptera Melolonthidae recorded in Mexico, with emphasis in their distribution by states is presented. Mexican states with higher number of species are Chiapas (368), Oaxaca (232) and Veracruz (281). Near half of these species are restricted to Mexico and are recorded only from localities in one state. Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Coahuila, Mexico, Chihuahua and Durango show the highest proportions of endemic species. States with more endemic species are Chiapas (94), Oaxaca (64) and Baja California (52). None of the Mexican species of Melolonthidae is included in the IUCN list of threatened species.

Se presenta una sinopsis sobre las 1 179 especies de Coleoptera Melolonthidae registradas en México, con énfasis en su distribución estatal. Los estados con mayor riqueza específica son Chiapas (368), Oaxaca (232) y Veracruz (281). Casi la mitad de estas especies son exclusivas del país y se localizan sólo en una entidad federativa. En Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Coahuila, México, Chihuahua y Durango se registran las mayores proporciones de endemismo. Las cifras más elevadas de especies endémicas corresponden a Chiapas (94), Oaxaca (64) y Baja California (52). Ninguna especie mexicana de Melolonthidae se encuentra incluida en la lista UICN de especies amenazadas de extinción.