Cyclocephala lurida, the southern masked chafer, is a species of beetle in the family Scarabaeidae which is native to the southeastern United States.

[1] The adult beetles cause no harm, but the eggs are laid underground and the developing larvae feed on grass roots and can kill turf under dry conditions.

Female southern masked chafer beetles emerge from the soil soon after sunset in June and July, remaining on the surface of the ground or climbing up grasses.

Research shows that the larvae of the southern masked chafer also release pheromone, and if they happen to be on the surface, the adult males may attempt to mate with them.

During wet periods, the grasses can keep growing new shoots and may look healthy, but in dry conditions, the plants cannot obtain enough moisture, become desiccated, turn brown and die.