Polyphylla starkae is part of the pubescens species complex which includes P. pubescens, P. donaldsoni, and P. woodruffi all endemic to sand dunes in the Southeastern United States.

[2] P. starkae is the largest member in the complex, and shows significant sexual dimorphism between the males and females.

Males have a typically dark elytra patchily covered with light brown coloured setae, and are also capable of flight.

[2] It's common name comes from the city of Auburndale, Florida which is located near to its range.

The Auburndale scrub scarab is endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge in Central Florida, where it is found in a very limited range, requiring very specific scrub habitat.