European beetle invading America? (1 Viewer)

[Jim M.]

I've seen a couple of these beetles in the eastern United States this year for the first time. They seem quite distinctive, and appear to closely resemble a European species, Maladera holosericea. But that species was not previously known to occur in the New World. But I'm not aware of any native species, or indeed any other beetle that looks similar.

Was hoping I could get some opinions from folks here as to whether the photos look consistent with Maladera holosericea. Habitat was floodplain deciduous forest in the state of Maryland. (There are a few records for the United States on iNaturalist, but I don't believe any of these have been confirmed).

 

[MiddleRiver]

I've seen a couple of these beetles in the eastern United States this year for the first time. They seem quite distinctive, and appear to closely resemble a European species, Maladera holosericea. But that species was not previously known to occur in the New World. But I'm not aware of any native species, or indeed any other beetle that looks similar.

Was hoping I could get some opinions from folks here as to whether the photos look consistent with Maladera holosericea. Habitat was floodplain deciduous forest in the state of Maryland. (There are a few records for the United States on iNaturalist, but I don't believe any of these have been confirmed).

Interesting. Report it to your local Extension Agent perhaps?