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Alexander Dudley | all galleries >> Australian Invertebrates >> Insects >> Beetles - Coleoptera > Coleoptera: Scarabidae: Anoplognathus rugosus
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18-DEC-2003 Alexander Dudley

Coleoptera: Scarabidae: Anoplognathus rugosus

Burragorang Valley, NSW Australia

Scarabid beetles such as this Anoplognathus species are foliage feeders as adults, and root feeders (especially grass roots) as
larvae. Corby grubs are the larvae of Scarabid beetles and are regarded as a serious pasture pest, lowering productivity.
Important natural predators include a group of flower wasps which parasitise the larve, but require flowering shrubs to feed on as
adults. Strips of shrubby vegetation left intact beside pastures reduces the infestation of Corby grubs and reduces defoliation of
Eucalypt trees by adult beetles. Australian magpies are incredibly important corby grub demolition experts, and can be
encouraged by keeping suitable nesting trees around pastures.

The beetle's wings are normally carried folded beneath the protective wing covers but extend rapidly as the beetle takes flight.

FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro ,Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro
1/125s f/27.0 at 59.0mm iso100, Metz20BC4, Starblitz 160-slave full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Milan Vogrin15-Mar-2010 07:16
Nice shot!