PEST
 
   NAME
     Nectar Scarabs
     Phyllotocus species
 
   ORDER
     Coleoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Scarabaeidae

Description of the Pest
Adult beetles have a characteristic scarab shape, up to 6mm in length, with exaggerated hind legs. The head and thorax is dark brown; the wings have orange-brown longitudinal striations. Larvae appear as small white curl grubs. Both larvae and adults have chewing mouth parts.

Flower Scarab Beetles (Protaetia apecies). Thiese active beetles are stout and broad up to 20mm long. The colouring is normally brown with some having small pale markings on the wing covers. It is commonly found feeding on Myrtaceae or Proteaceae flowers (pollen) or shoots of Acacia species. It is a solitary feeder and may cause dieback of the host.

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Nectar scarabs are Australian natives but are rarely found in the Northern Territory. They are distributed by flying to a new host plant.

Life Cycle
These insects have a Holometabolous life cycle, ie. When metamorphosis is observed during the pupal stage.
It has a complete metamorphosis producing one generation every one to three years, depending on the species. The eggs are laid during spring normally near the surface of the soil and the lava burrow into the soil. The lava overwinters deep in the soil and pupates during spring. 

Period of Activity
Most active during the warmer months, when plants are flowering.

Damage Caused
Larvae feed on decaying vegetable matter and cause little damage. Adults swarm on host plants in large numbers, feeding on pollen and nectar; when swarming they may also feed on the flower parts.

Susceptible Plants
Many plants are attacked by this insect including Acacia, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Callistemon species. Ornamentals such as Rosa and Dahlias species are also attacked.

Cultural Control
Small infestations may be removed by hand but certain species such as the Flower Scarab Beetle drop to the ground and pretend to be dead. This is an opportunity to collect them on a piece of plastic if it is spread around the plant.

Biological Control
No known controls.

Chemical Control
Contact insecticides such as Carbaryl are effective, but not normally necessary.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.