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AN INTRODUCED PASTURE BEETLE, PLECTRIS ALIENA CHAPIN (SCARABAEIDAE: MELOLONTHINAE) |
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| Authors: | R J Roberts |
| Institution: | *Division of Entomology, C.S.I.R.O., Armidale, N.S.W. |
| Abstract: | i The presence of the South American pasture beetle Plectris aliena Chapin in Australia near Casino, New South Wales, is reported. Characters of use in distinguishing the adult and larval stages from those of native scarabaeids are described. The bionomics, ecology, and potential importance of the species are discussed. It is concluded that P. aliena is a species of humid-temperate climates where it appears to be restricted to light sandy soils. The larvae may damage the roots of grasses and crops. |
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