Areoda Macleay, 1819

Areoda leachi photo by Matthew R. Moore

distribution of Areoda species

Areoda leachi
photo by Matthew R. Moore

Diagnosis: Areoda is distinguished from the other Rutelinae and Areodina by the following combination of characters: (1) 10-segmented antennae, (2) labrum separated from clypeus and horizontal with respect to clypeus, (3) mandibles rounded externally with apices not reflexed, (4) complete frontoclypeal suture, (5) forward-projecting mesosternal process, (6) broadly rounded clypeal apex, (7) and asymmetrical parameres (Ratcliffe and Jameson 1989).

Distribution: Areoda occurs in the Atlantic coastal forests of southeastern Brazil from the states of Bahia in the north to Santa Catarina in the south (Ratcliffe and Jameson 1989).

Revision or Synopsis:
Ratcliffe, Brett C. and Mary Liz Jameson. 1989. A synopsis of the genus Areoda (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae). Coleopterists Bulletin 43(2): 135-144.

Composition: The genus Areoda contains three species: A. banksi Laporte, 1840; A. espiritosantensis Ohaus, 1905; A. leachi Macleay, 1819.

Biological Data: Caged specimens of A. leachi and A. banksi have been observed feeding on the flowers of Inga (Fabaceae)and Bohemeria (Urticaceae) (Ratcliffe and Jameson 1989). Areoda leachi and A. banksi are attracted to lights at night, but tend to hide in the ground under bushes during the day (Ratcliffe and Jameson 1989). Areoda banksi prefers moist forest habitats, while A. leachi prefers hot coastal valleys from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo or the hot, dry mountains near Petropolis, Brazil (Ohaus 1908).

References:
Ratcliffe, Brett C. and Mary Liz Jameson. 1989. A synopsis of the genus Areoda (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae). Coleopterists Bulletin 43(2): 135-144.

Ohaus, F. 1908. Die Ruteliden meiner Sammelreisen in Sudamerika (Col.). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift 1908: 239-262.