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Goldsmith Beetle

Cotalpa lanigera (Linnaeus 1764)

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Goldsmith beetles are featured in the short story "The Gold Bug" by Edgar Allan Poe.

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Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
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Behavior

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Members of the subfamily Rutelinae, including goldsmith beetles, use stridulating organs on their legs to communicate. Sounds are produced by a plectrum, a sharply confined ridge, moving across femoral pars stridens that have fine parallel ribs, much like a rasp. It is uncertain whether these sounds are produced as a component of mating behavior or if they have some other purpose. In several taxa, including the superfamily Scarabaeoidea, these stridulating structures may produce several different sounds that serve varying functions, such as courtship, aggression, and defense.

Communication Channels: acoustic

Other Communication Modes: vibrations

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; vibrations ; chemical

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bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
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Conservation Status

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Goldsmith beetles are usually considered uncommon, but have no special conservation status.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

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cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
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Life Cycle

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Like most beetles, goldsmith beetles are endopterygotes that completely metamorphose. Once eggs hatch, larvae burrow to reach a food source and tend to feed voraciously; the larval stage is the principal feeding stage of the life cycle of goldsmith beetles. Larvae, which are whitish and C-shaped, are called grubs and are have limited motion. After 1 or 2 years, larvae pupate, and a fully formed beetle emerges from a pupa.

Development - Life Cycle: metamorphosis

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bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
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Benefits

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Because adult goldsmith beetles are quite effective at stripping foliage from trees, they are potential nuisances to some farmers and gardeners. However, members of this species tend to remain in forested areas. They are often confused with far more destructive Japanese beetles, which are capable of causing a great amount of damage to soybean and corn crops.

Negative Impacts: crop pest

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cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
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Benefits

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There are no known direct positive effects of goldsmith beetles on humans. Because they help aerate soil, break down rotting logs, and act as prey to a variety of birds, they help maintain a thriving ecosystem.

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cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
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Associations

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Adult goldsmith beetles strip foliage from the trees in which they take up residence, most commonly willow (Salix) and poplars (Populus). They are also a source of food for many arboreal, insectivorous birds. Larvae help aerate the soil and play an important role in the decaying process of dead logs. Members of the subfamily Rutelinae, including goldsmith beetles, also act as hosts to sporeforming bacteria such as Clostridium as well as milky disease bacteria (Bacillus popilliae).

Ecosystem Impact: soil aeration

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

  • spore-forming bacteria (Clostridium)
  • milky disease bacteria (Bacillus popilliae)
license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
visit source
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Animal Diversity Web

Trophic Strategy

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As larvae, goldsmith beetles feed on tree roots and rotting logs around which they burrow. Adults feed on willow (Salix), pear (Pyrus), hickory (Carya), oak (Quercus), and poplar (Populus) foliage. They generally feed at night.

Plant Foods: leaves; roots and tubers; wood, bark, or stems

Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore , Lignivore)

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copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
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Animal Diversity Web

Distribution

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Goldsmith beetles, Cotalpa lanigera, are found in the eastern, central, and southwestern United States as well as southeastern Canada.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

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copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
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Habitat

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Goldsmith beetles inhabit deciduous forests, woodlands, and fields near those woodlands.

Habitat Regions: terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: forest

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Life Expectancy

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The lifespan of goldsmith beetles is not well documented. However, development takes 1 to 2 years, and they often hibernate for 4 to 6 months. Based on developmental times, goldsmith beetles may live at least 16 to 30 months.

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
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Animal Diversity Web

Morphology

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Goldsmith beetles are yellow or green in color and have a gold, metallic tint. Their elytra has irregular rows of small holes, but they do not have elytral markings. Goldsmith beetles are egg-shaped and are relatively heavy and large, ranging from 20 to 26 mm in length. Their ventral side is covered with dense, whitish wool-like hairs.

Range length: 20 to 26 mm.

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
visit source
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Animal Diversity Web

Associations

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Goldsmith beetles are preyed upon by arboreal, insectivorous birds, including blue jays, yellow-billed cuckoo, and purple martins. Adult goldsmith beetles form tents by folding surrounding tree leaves around their bodies and holding them in place with their telsi. This provides shade as well as cover from predators. Their bright metallic color is also thought to be a form of warning coloration, though its effectiveness is unknown.

Known Predators:

  • blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata)
  • yellow-billed cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus)
  • purple martins (Progne subis)

Anti-predator Adaptations: aposematic

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Reproduction

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Specific mating systems have not been identified in goldsmith beetles. In most beetles, the sense of smell is thought to play a considerable role in the finding of a mate. Pairing is generally short but in some cases can last for several hours. During sexual pairing, sperm cells are transferred to the female to fertilize eggs.

Goldsmith beetles breed between April and July. After a gestation period of about 6 months, females lay their eggs in clumps on top of the soil below a tree. They lay a small number of eggs relative to similar species. After a larval stage of 1 to 2 years, larvae enter a pupal stage. Adults emerge between May and July.

Breeding season: Goldsmith beetles breed from April to July.

Average gestation period: 6 months.

Range time to independence: 12 to 24 months.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; sexual

Female goldsmith beetles lay their eggs on the soil below a tree near tree roots or rotting logs, potential food sources. Neither males nor females, however, are directly involved with parental care of their young after eggs are laid.

Parental Investment: female parental care ; pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female)

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Park, C.; A. Parmar; L. Seyler and H. Shah 2012. "Cotalpa lanigera" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Cotalpa_lanigera.html
author
Charles Park, Rutgers University
author
Asha Parmar, Rutgers University
author
Lauren Seyler, Rutgers University
author
Hetal Shah, Rutgers University
editor
David V. Howe, Rutgers University
editor
Gail McCormick, Special Projects
editor
Catherine Kent, Special Projects
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Cotalpa lanigera

provided by wikipedia EN

Cotalpa lanigera, also known as the Goldsmith beetle, is a beetle of the family Scarabaeidae.[1][2][3] Its adult size ranges from 19 to 26 mm. Its head and pronotum are yellow-brown, while its elytra are usually paler yellow. Nocturnally active, it may be found in late spring to early summer feeding on the leaves of trees such as poplars, silver maple, sweetgum, pear, hickory, or willow.[3]

References

  1. ^ Lockwood, Samuel (Jun 1868). "The Goldsmith Beetle, and Its Habits". The American Naturalist. 2 (4): 186–192. doi:10.1086/270216. JSTOR 2447187.
  2. ^ Herrick, Glenn W (2000). Insects Enemies of Trees. Concept Publishing Company. p. 273. ISBN 978-8172680664. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  3. ^ a b Evans, Arthur V. (2014). Beetles of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press. p. 169. ISBN 978-0691133041. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
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Cotalpa lanigera: Brief Summary

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Cotalpa lanigera, also known as the Goldsmith beetle, is a beetle of the family Scarabaeidae. Its adult size ranges from 19 to 26 mm. Its head and pronotum are yellow-brown, while its elytra are usually paler yellow. Nocturnally active, it may be found in late spring to early summer feeding on the leaves of trees such as poplars, silver maple, sweetgum, pear, hickory, or willow.

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