Abkhazian scarab

The Abkhazian scarab (Latin Anomala abchasica) is a beetle belonging to the family Scarabaeidae within the order Coleoptera. Adult beetles are oval-shaped, measuring approximately 12–15 mm in length, with a shiny greenish or bronze-green coloration.

The larvae of this species are soil-dwellers, characterized by a C-shaped body, whitish color, and a well-developed head capsule with powerful mouthparts. Adult beetles are primarily active during the day, especially in sunny weather.

This species is a typical representative of the Caucasian entomofauna, where its population density can be significant. Visually, the beetle resembles other members of the genus Anomala, but it features a distinct structure of the elytra and pronotum shape.

Reproduction occurs in the soil, where the female lays her eggs. The larval development goes through several stages, during which it feeds on organic matter and plant roots, completing the life cycle from egg to adult in 1–2 years.

An important morphological feature is the presence of fine hairs on the underside of the body, as well as the structure of the legs, which are adapted for digging in the soil and moving actively over plant foliage.

The Abkhazian scarab is a polyphagous pest that damages both wild species and valuable agricultural crops. Adult beetles cause the primary damage to the aerial parts of plants by feeding on leaves.

Fruit trees, including peaches, cherries, apples, pears, and plums, are particularly susceptible. In orchards, mass emergence of this pest can lead to the complete skeletonization of the leaf blades.

Grapevines are also prone to attacks by this scarab. The adult beetles consume not only the leaves but also the young fruit set, which negatively impacts the yields of entire vineyards in regions where the pest is prevalent.

The larvae, which live in the soil, damage the root systems of various crops, including ornamental plants and vegetable beds. By gnawing on roots, the larvae cause wilting, stunted growth, and the eventual death of the affected plant.

Mass infestations of this species cause significant economic losses in plant nurseries, as young seedlings are highly vulnerable to the intense leaf-feeding behavior of adult beetles.

The flight of the adult Abkhazian scarab begins in late spring and continues throughout the summer, peaking in June and July. The highest density of the pest is observed during periods of stable, warm weather.

The beetles are most active during the daylight hours, when they feed intensely on the crowns of trees and shrubs. During the evening and night, their activity decreases, and the insects may move to more sheltered parts of the vegetation or into the topsoil.

The life cycle of the larvae is tied to soil temperature regimes. Overwintering occurs at depths below the soil freezing line. In the spring, as the soil warms up to 10-12 degrees, the larvae return to the root-inhabiting layer.

The duration of the life cycle can vary based on regional climatic conditions. In colder climates, the cycle may extend to two years, which complicates the forecasting of population outbreaks.

The emergence of adult beetles from the soil coincides with the active vegetative growth phase of fruit trees, making crop protection particularly critical during early summer.

The first obvious sign of the pest's presence is the appearance of "lacy" or skeletonized leaves on tree canopies. Adult beetles feed on leaf tissues, leaving behind only the stiff veins, which gives the plant a characteristically eaten appearance.

The presence of larvae in the root zone is signaled by the sudden wilting of plants without visible causes on the aerial parts. When digging into the soil near the root collar, one can often find a large number of C-shaped larvae.

In the evening or early morning, one can observe adult beetles moving on the soil surface beneath the crowns of affected trees as they prepare for the morning flight to feeding sites.

Reduced plant turgor and slowed shoot growth are also indirect indicators of root system damage by larvae, which sever the small absorbent rootlets.

During inspections, one can observe clusters of beetles on blossoms or young shoots, where they feed on the most tender plant tissues.

Effective control of the Abkhazian scarab involves a combination of agrotechnical and chemical measures. Deep plowing of the soil in autumn and spring plays a crucial role by mechanically damaging and killing the larvae.

The application of contact-systemic insecticides is effective during the peak flight period of adult beetles. Spraying tree canopies with pyrethroid or organophosphate-based preparations significantly reduces population density.

To protect roots from larvae, specialized granular formulations can be applied to the soil. Treating planting holes or applying granules into the root zone creates a protective barrier for the root system.

Biological control methods include the use of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungal preparations (e.g., based on Beauveria bassiana), which infect larvae in the soil without harming the environment.

• Regular monitoring of beetle populations using light traps.
• Timely removal of weeds in rows, which serve as a reservoir for the pest.
• Encouraging natural predators such as birds and insectivorous mammals in the area.