Maladera castanea, commonly known as the chestnut beetle, is a species of beetle belonging to the family Scarabaeidae. It is typically found in North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions. The adult beetles are small, measuring around 8-10 mm in length, and have a reddish-brown coloration. They are known to feed on the roots of various plants, including grasses and crops, and can cause damage to agricultural fields.