Anoxia matutinalis, a type of scarab beetle, is a pale brown insect with whitish hairs and longitudinal whitish bands on its wing covers, reaching about 19-26mm long, often found near sandy coasts, forests, and orchards in Europe/Mediterranean, known for its crepuscular swarms at dusk, laying eggs in plant roots, and a multi-year larval stage.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Pale brown with darker prothorax and legs, featuring short whitish hairs and whitish bands on elytra (wing covers).
Size: 19–26 millimeters (0.75–1.02 inches) long.
Distinguishing Marks: Bands on elytra can rub off easily.
Behavior & Habitat
Activity: Swarms fly at dusk, active for 30-40 minutes before burying in sand or clinging to plants like Onopordum.
Habitat: Found in diverse areas from sandy coasts to deciduous forests and orchards.
Range: Central Europe and Mediterranean regions, with Italy being its western limit.
Life Cycle
Reproduction: Eggs laid in host plant roots about a week after mating.
Larval Stage: Larvae hatch the following year and take about three years to become adults (imago).
Variations: Life cycle may be shorter in the Mediterranean compared to Central Europe.
Classification
Family: Scarabaeidae (dung beetles/scarabs).
Genus: Anoxia.
Species: Anoxia matutinalis.
