Beetle is a member of the family Scarabaeidae, a group containing dung beetles, rhinocerous beetles, and many other well-known insects. This beetle is found in the Santa Cruz Mountains south of the city of San Francisco. Like other species of Polyphylla , the Mt Hermon June Beetle is associated with sandy soils. These patches, known in the Santa Cruz Mts. as the Zayante Sand Hills formation, appear to be the primary, if not the only habitat of Polyphylla barbata . The sandy habitat provides a different microclimate than is found elsewhere in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Sandy soils tend to drain better and are thus somewhat drier, warmer, and more sparsely vegetated.
The primary threats have been sand mining and urban development. Though continued use of this habitat by mining companies will require some habitat restoration and revegetation, it is questionable whether true restoration is possible. Protection of remaining habitat should be the primary goal.