Southwestern Masked Chafer – Cyclocephala pasadaenae

Southwestern Masked Chafer (Cyclocephala pasadaenae) Common Name: Pasadena masked chafer, southwestern masked chafer Latin Name: Cyclocephala pasadaenae Appearance: The adults are 3/8 to 1/2 inch long light brown beetles with a black stripe on the front of the head mask. They only have one generation each year and adult flight occurs only in June and July. In August and September, eggs are deposited, and grubs hatch and begin to eat. Typically, the damage is evident during the fall. Medium round bugs with a light brown hue and a polished appearance. Males and females have similar appearances. Territory: Native to southern and central New Mexico. Damages caused by Southwestern Masked Chafer: This species has been linked to visible turf damage, some of which is produced indirectly by birds digging for grubs. This species’ pest potential is mostly unknown. According to some reports, larvae are rarely present in sufficient numbers to cause substantial lawn damage. According to some accounts, it is one of the most damaging lawn pests in its habitat. Life history and Habits: Adults fly at night and do not eat throughout the summer. The larvae live in the soil from late summer through winter, pupate in the spring, and emerge as adults in the summer. Herbaceous plants and flowers grow in yards, gardens, and open spaces. Adults fly at night and frequently approach lights. Larvae feed on decaying plant debris and roots and reside in the earth.