They are often mistaken for Green June Beetles (Cotinis nitida) and Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica).T he Figeaters are noticeable larger than June and Japanese Beetles, which are mostly confined to Eastern United States. Share it with your fig group. I created this site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control experience to the public. Like their name suggests, they will certainly eat figs, but they also love many other types of fruit (below you see them eating grapes in the NHMLA Nature Gardens and the photo directly above shows them eating their namesake fruit in the NHMLA Edible Garden) and even nectar from flowers (photo at top of the blog post). The green June bug is a medium-to-large beetle species well-known for its metallic green coloration. There are many DIY traps you can make at home, but the easiest one seems to be using jar traps. On the other hand, the Japanese beetle is sometimes mislabeled as a "June bug" based on similar looks and the same . Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. As you can see in the table above, it is considerably smaller than the native June beetles. The fig beetles will fly to the funnel because theyre attracted to the scent of the bait. Scarab Beetle. These red-brown beetles commonly appear in the Northern Hemisphere during warm spring evenings and are attracted to lights. Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County. The Japanese beetle has an average size of 10-12 mm (0.4 0.5 in), and the largest one can reach 15 mm (0.6 in). In fact, generally speaking, and especially for June bugs, people testify that the larva stage is tastier than the adult stage. If youre here, you probably have a fig tree that youre trying to protect from these pests. Then add some bait to lure the fig eaters. Basically, you want to remove anything the beetles are eating as much as you can. You may huge swarms of them eating your figs in your garden. Even if you cant do all of these, do the ones that you can. Dispose of the beetles safely. Why do they keep attacking us? Other than that, it bears minimal resemblance to foreign species. Get rid of leaf litter. They collect on the screens, and if they can't cling, they fall to the ground.
The best time for control is generally August-October. When we see these beetles making their crash landings, I suspect some thoughts about the intelligence level of these creatures must come into doubt. People with the Scarab Beetle totem have a secure connection with the sun. The larvae have small and ineffective legs. You may have heard of May beetles and June bugs and could have been wondering what the difference between these two terms was. You can control both species by physical as well as chemical means. June bugs go through four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In most cases, these are. They look like white worms (or grubs). They dont come out at night unless disturbed, as theyre active during daylight hours (diurnal) pests. June Bugs look like every other beetle. The June bug is reddish-brown with shiny wings. However, it feels good to finally know the exact difference, right? Speak to pest control companies to get the best insecticides that can deal with the unique situation in your garden, farm, or home. On the other hand, the adult Japanese beetle will eat any foliage that is nearby and may even feast on fruits as well. Birds such as robins and cardinals can be the number one predators of these beetles. As visually striking as these large beetles are, it is the fact that they are literally striking folks around L.A. that has our attention. Strain out the chunks and pour the oil into a pint of water along with a teaspoon of dish soap. Some other names for fig beetles are the figeater beetle, green fruit beetle, crawly backs, or green beetle. How do we determine if we have enough beetles to spray? The Japanese beetle is metallic green with bronze wing covers. June bugs eat leafy plants, oak, walnut, potatoes, fruits, and generally any other form of crop. They are loud, they are big (often around an inch long), and they are everywhere right now. And they don't damage lawns and fruit crops to the same . Adult Japenese beetles are most active during the day when they swarm in groups of 20 to cause damage to your garden and crops. You could have Green June Beetles which are currently active mat. May beetles/June bugs are attracted to the lights that came from residential houses and gardens at night. If you maintain piles of mulch, compost, or manure, turn the piles often. Green June beetles have a single generation each year. Part of this is surely pure mass, as fig beetles support a lot of weight as they fly around looking for food and mates. The larvae are called white grubs because of their color and can grow up to a whole inch long. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. So, do these June beetles bite not at all. But, if our farmers miss this application and the June bugs populations are high, they can lose a lot of valuable food for the livestock. With that in mind, you could say that C. nitida is the June bug of the east, while P. decemlineata, along with the Figeater beetle (Cotinis mutabilis), are the June bugs of the west. It is set for Sunday (June 5), from 1 to 4 p.m., with admission, as always, free and open to the public. Fig 1: Close-up of adult green June beetle. Although the situation is rarely dangerous, its still important to refrain your dog from eating green beetles. Therefore, if you spot a June bug, dont get too worried about it. You can harvest them from the ground at larva stage or you can catch them when they get attracted to lights in your home. Some chemicals can be harmful to other living organisms and plants as well. Green June beetles overwinter as mature grubs and resume feeding in the spring. Treating bugs, such as dried fruit beetles or spider mites on figs, may require spraying. Fig trees can be successfully grown on many types of soil but will grow optimally in deep sandy-clay loams with a pH between 6 and 8. They have little choice but to make crash landings. However, for June bugs, the typical gestation period is two and a half weeks to 4 weeks. They belong to the Scarabaeidae family of beetles and carry the scientific name Cotinis Nitida. Eggs are laid by the adults during the summer under pots or just under the soil surface and when the grubs hatch they burrow down and inch or two and spend the winter under the soil. Chemical control is usually not recommended for control of fig beetles; however, in the event of large infestations, grubs may be controlled by applying pesticides in fall. Turn the beetle on its back and locate the beetle's rear end. Green June beetles are native insects occuring from Florida to the midwest and as far north as Connecticut. They devour more grass and bushes than crops and flowers. I would suggest trying to control in September-October since we had a later flight this year. Crustaceans (148 . Why do we see them for a few hours each night only? However, the color may vary among individuals and commonly has bronze overtones on the sides. They are both considered agricultural pests, Cotinis nitida, Animal Diversity Web (Retrieved on 20 November 2022). June bugs are edible, and people have generally preferred to eat them at the larva stage than as adults because that is when they are tastier. Pupation occurs shortly after during the months of July to September. The only reason why you have these beetles in your yard in the first place is that theyre eating your fruits. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Also, it makes strange hissing noises when handled. This group includes manybeautiful jeweled beetles, as well as the sacred beetles of ancient Egypt (AKA dung beetles: informative, but rather silly video on the dung beetlehere). In a 1-gallon container, mix equal parts of water and fruit juice. Adult fig beetles are attracted to ripe (especially overripe) fruit. These periods usually start in May and June, therefore explaining the names given to the insects. Seek a vet out if youre concerned or if the symptoms dont improve. They live as adults buried in the soil. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Aphids, Scale Insects, Leafhoppers, and Tree Hoppers, Fungus Beetles and Pleasing Fungus Beetles, Pantry Beetles, Grain Weevils, Spider Beetles, Meal Worms and Carpet Beetles, Crickets, Camel Crickets and Mole Crickets, Sow Bugs, Pill Bugs, Isopods, Lawn Shrimp and Amphipods, Hummingbird Moths, Sphinx Moths or Hawk Moths, Pantry Moths, Clothes Moths, Case-Bearers and Meal Moths, Neuropterans: Lacewings, Antlions, and Owlflies. Leaving it on the branch will just give them something to eat. Both bugs are scarab beetles, but figeaters and green June bugs belong to the subfamily Cetoniinae while the traditional June . Getting rid of June bugs is easy and can be done with or without chemicals. East Texas just north of Interstate 20. If you see the beetle larvae, you can also scoop them up and drop them into some dish detergent mixed with water. June bugs, sometimes called May beetles, are a type of beetle that are common across North America. Here are some methods you can use to get rid of these pests. The native Green June bug, Cotinis nitida, is most commonly confused with the Japanese beetle. This is especially true for fruits. There are about 900 different species of June bugs/May beetles. They are very fond of peaches. June bugs and Japanese beetles are similar in what they eat and the damage they can do to grass and plants, but the june bug is nocturnal and the Japanese beetle does most of its feeding during the day. There are 6 legs in total. In the Southeastern quadrant of the U.S., the June Bug du jour is the day-flying Green June Beetle ( Cotinis/Cotinus nitida ), in the scarab family Scarabaeidae; our rusty pal is called the May beetle there. Carpenter Ants vs Black Ants: Whats the, The 8 Top Buzz-Worthy Books About Beekeeping Available Today, Hornet Nest Vs Wasp Nest: 4 Key Differences. Theyll approach 2 when fully grown. Since they commonly feed gregariously, they can do quite a lot of damage on farms and in gardens. One generation of fig beetles can be produced per year, but they can remain in the soil for up to two years. JUNE BUG FACTS & HABITS. a large genus of New World scarab beetles. The adult females will lay eggs in compost or mulch. "Home Gardener's Problem Solver"; Denny Schrock; 2004. The beetles are eating a white milky sap that is oozing from the bark. Use some kind of overripe fruit or just apple juice and water in equal parts. Make a funnel shape out of the screening. A May beetle or a June bug is an insect that seems to appear out of nowhere during late spring into early summer and disappears at the end of summer. Scarab Beetle Totem. While both insects can be harmful to crops and plants, the adult Japanese beetle is far more destructive than the June bug. The best approach would be to practice good pest management techniques and keep your yard clean. This beetle was twice the size of the Japenese beetles that were also present. Dried fruit beetles or sap beetles include related species such as the Freeman and Confused sap beetle. ( Linnaeus, 1758) Cotinis nitida, commonly known as the green June beetle, June bug or June beetle, [1] is a beetle of the family Scarabaeidae. beetle. You can easily use many different natural repellents that deter fig beetles. What are these heavy-duty, buzzing creatures zooming across my lawn on a hot mid-summer day? Use up and down arrow keys to explore within a submenu. And if you have any questions, ask me by leaving a comment. To make a trap, pour sweet fruit juice into a container with a wide funnel opening. June bugs mate in May or June. Do something kind of checking routine. This beetle was twice the size of the Japenese beetles that were also present. The green June beetle is a scarab beetle found in North America, especially Canada and the United States. Orchardists sometimes soak overripe fruit with pesticides. Considering the damage June bugs can cause to crops and plants, farmers and gardeners have to be equipped with the best tools to rid of them. If you can control and reduce the number of available plants for them to eat, youll have fewer beetles to deal with. You can make one by getting a milk jug or large jar, then adding a cup of molasses, a half cup of hot water, and then shaking the mixture. Im fairly sure its a variety of oak but I dont know which sort. 1) is an invasive species first detected in America in 1916 in New Jersey after an accidental introduction. You may want to screen compost to remove the larvae. Fig beetles (Cotinis mutabilis), also known as figeater beetles or green fruit beetles, are a Southwestern species of beetle that careen through the air with the grace of a charging rhinoceros. Description. They also have small, but highly visible, little white tufts of hair on . June bugs are nocturnal insects that are most active during the night. Some communities consume June bugs as a traditional food such as the Bear River community in northwestern Califonia. Here are some additional resources which may be useful for you: By now, you should have everything you need to know to get started on exterminating these pests from your fig trees! These grubs will overwinter in the soil. Green fruit beetles ( Cotinis mutabilis) are members of the scarab beetle family and are sometimes known as fig beetles or figeater beetles. They have little choice but to make crash landings. After a few hours of crashing about, the whole June Beetle community very quickly digs a shallow tunnel into the ground to prepare for the next night out, In the case of fertilized females, they will lay eggs in the soil. The Japanese beetle is considerably smaller than the June bug. The juice is placed in a container with a wire . The Japanese beetle is small in size, ranging between 0.4 and 0.5. This will let you attract grub eater to the area to help control the population. The Japanese beetle is considerably smaller than the June bug. Larvae emerge from the eggs after 18 days and become grubs, the most damaging phase to your lawn. Here are some fascinating facts about June bugs that you should note: Thank you for reading! From this point, the eggs in the soil will grow to become grubs. Green Fig Beetles are large (up to 1.25 inches (3 cm) - in fact they are one of our largest native beetles. The eggs hatch in about two weeks and survive by eating organic matter in the soil until winter. Have some feedback for us? The largest reported Japanese beetle was about 0.6. They either die there, or are eaten by birds. The Japanese Beetle is much smaller (about 1/2" long, 12.7mm) and has a series of white dots along the outside edges of its body. June bugs often fall prey to a species of female fly that will lay Buginfo. The size of the beetle can range from one-half to 1-inch long. It gets mixed up with the green June beetle because of the similar coloration and general body shape. These beetles prefer sandy soils; we have plenty of this in Effingham, making it easier to tunnel. When they morph, the best way to get rid of them is to use the steps outlined above. It features a bulky stout body shape typical to most beetles. Begin by mincing four cloves of garlic and marinating it overnight in a tablespoon of mineral oil. They are simply interchangeable names that refer to the same insect. You can buy netting at most hardware stores for cheap in bulk. With eggs deposited, phase two of the June Beetles life starts. June bugs are generally larger and darker in color. Make a funnel shape out of the screening. You can also get rid of the June bug physically by installing bug traps to catch adults. Theyll eat pollen from plants, sap from cactus plants, or fruit from trees. You can get rid of June bugs using BT, scientifically known as Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki. Tell a friend who may also have a fig tree. This prevents their presence as adults later. However, there is little done in Mother Natures community without reason. During this part of their life cycle, you can try to get other predators to eat the larvae. June beetle, (genus Phyllophaga), also called May beetle or June bug, genus of nearly 300 species of beetles belonging to the widely distributed plant-eating subfamily Melolonthinae (family Scarabaeidae, order Coleoptera). The June beetles are velveted green with orange or rust stripes. Some areas have predatory wasps that feed on figeater grubs. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Japanese beetles are probably only 1/3 to as big as the green June beetle. Summer, especially May-July. 4) Milky disease bacteria. On warm days of late winter and spring, the thumb-sized grubs burrow to the surface where they feed on grass roots and thatch. Hornet vs Wasp How to Tell the Difference in 3 Easy Steps. The trick is to find out where the female adults are laying their eggs and where the eggs are hatching. They are annoying like flies as they buzz around one's head and face. Since its arrival, populations have fluctuated from year to year. After all, the two species belong to the same family. That hardened pair of front wings (elytra) are great at protecting from many predators; however, leaving them without one set of flight wings has led to them sacrificing some of their flight ability. Although they lay more eggs, they cause less damage. Milky disease is not harmful to other . Figeater Beetle or Green June Bug? June bugs are beetles, and beetles rock. Deal with the grubs (larva) by spraying insecticides that kill them in the ground. Every night the June bugs head for the lights (such as porch lights), including the light inside the house. Theyll appear in groups. The good thing is if we miss an application for these insects, our turfgrass will probably survive. They prefer the warm weather from April to June, and then they start to go away for the winter. Also, known as a June Bug. Suddenly, a loud buzz and WHACK!, something the size of a large marble slams straight into the side of my face. long, that may or may not have spotted wings. June bugs are good sources of protein for these animals both in adult form or larva stage. Or if you found this pest control guide to be helpful, let me know also =]. Rather, it is during the larva stage that the June bug becomes an obstacle and pest to farmers since it attacks the roots of vegetation, thus killing it or impeding proper growth. Knowing the gender of your beetles can help you pair them more easily for sexual reproduction. The adults fly during the day and are commonly referred to as "June bug", "June beetle" and "fig eater". This home remedy is easy to make and can prove deadly to June bugs. The Japanese beetle ( Popillia japonica) is an imported beetle distinct from American June bugs. However, note that more than one species are referred to by the common name June bug.. It is also known as a figeater beetle or a green fruit beetle. Among them, the beetles (Coleoptera) are the richest in terms of diversity in the US alone, there are nearly 24,000 species! You can remove them one at a time. The size of the beetle can range from one-half to 1-inch long. They may get a high rating if you happen to be a Robin thats found a delicious juicy grub to take to an impatient hungry family of nestlings or a skunk foraging for evening snacks; however, in the big scheme, June Beetles may not get the higher PR ratings. Furthermore, the different species of June bugs have preferred plants, especially at the adult stage. It is a showy and large beetle (22 to 28 mm) with yellowish-brown base color contrasted by pure white lines on the elytra. Fig beetles (Cotinis mutabilis), also known as figeater beetles or green fruit beetles, are a Southwestern species of beetle that careen through the air with the grace of a charging rhinoceros. Figeater beetles will eat fruit and sap. If you have a fruit tree or fig tree, figeater beetles will eat the figs when theyre ripe. They are attracted to light. In fact, crawly backs, the 2-inch long grubs that eventually turn into our shiny beetle friends, are often found in compost piles helping breakdown our garden compost! After all, you grew the fruits for yourself, not for the beetles, right? Yes, they are the same. Some gardeners like to leave a few overripe, rotting fruits in place to trap figeater beetles. Greg McGuire graduated from Butler University in 2005. I get several calls about armadillos, and if you want to reduce armadillo traffic, you remove the food (grubs). They have maroon-brown wings and have ventral hair. A fig beetle is a beetle belonging to the scarab beetle family. These beetles prefer, The protection factor may be better than many of their insect kin. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Taking advantage of the beetles' attraction to all things sweet, you may capture them by using a trap. Both the Japanese beetle and june bug lay their eggs under the surface of lawns and grassy areas. Both have an underground larval stage that eats plant roots, among other plant matter. Use up and down arrow keys to explore within a submenu. Although it lacks metallic green coloration, it appears simultaneously as the Japanese beetle the adults emerge sometime in June. If fig beetles are causing problems in your lawn, maintaining healthy, thick turf is the best way to prevent damage by figeater beetles. Afterward, you can dispose of them safely by pouring the entire trap into a solution of rubbing alcohol or dish detergent and water. Many people find them tasty, and their protein is definitely good for your body. The rear underside of the bug is lighter tan or orangish in coloration. Their bellies are typically brown or green and have a metallic sheen to them. Its a beautiful summer day in L.A. and I am strolling across a wide open lawn. As suggested, the pest is native to Japan, where it is regarded as a minor agricultural pest. Even when they fly directly into the side of your face when you are walking across an open lawn. Unlike the East Coast beetles they are commonly mistaken for (green june beetles, Cotinis nitida, and Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica), fig . Really clumsy. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. The grubs pupate from late spring to midsummer, and adults emerge in two to three weeks. This activity will increase as spring approaches until finally, we have adult beetles emerge, and they take flight. Despite all the differences, there are quite a few similarities between the real and the fake June bug. Sign up for our newsletter. You should note that May beetles are more deadly to crops at their larva stage (called white grub) than at their adult stage because at the adult stage they generally do not eat enough to pose serious damage to plants, trees, and vegetation. They are commonly seen flying near the ground in landscapes from mid to late summer, occasionally becoming pests of fruit, especially figs. Carpenter Ants vs Black Ants: Whats the, The 8 Top Buzz-Worthy Books About Beekeeping Available Today, Hornet Nest Vs Wasp Nest: 4 Key Differences. The protection factor may be better than many of their insect kin. This insect belongs to a very large genus that possesses over 900 species. Seasons active. These beetles will eat anything thats sweet, odorous, sap, or nectar. . The Figeater is generally found later in the year in August and September, while the Green June Beetle generally flies in July. Due to this, it may seem difficult to distinguish between them, but there are indeed notable differences. In general, June bugs are: Active at Night - June bugs are generally nocturnal. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We catch a green june beetle around a garden on her way in to lay eggs. Always turn your mulch constantly to expose small grubs. On the other hand, June bugs are mostly nocturnal insects, which means that they are most active at night. They are just clumsy. Checking the back and rear of your beetle is the most common way to check for gender. Earthlife.net does not provide medical advice. It is important that these. The native Green June bug, Cotinis nitida, is most commonly confused with the Japanese beetle. She specializes in conservation biology, biodiversity, insect ecology, and trees. The vast majority of insects in Mother Natures community are precious to us and all wildlife in their role in pollinating plants. The Figeater is listed on BugGuide as eating ripe fruit and sometimes sap, and the Green June Beetle is listed on BugGuide as eating ripening fruit and leaves. When the fruit has attracted a few beetles, knock the pests into a container and dispose of them. The color varies from dull brown with irregular stripes of green to uniform velvet green, the margins of the body being usually light brown varying to orange yellow. Required fields are marked *. Peak flights for this beetle are in June, the reason we call the beetle June bug. June bugs serve as prey and food to a good number of animals and birds. You can also subscribe without commenting. Green stripes with yellow-orange margins extend . Homeowners sometimes find hundreds or thousands . In addition, some mammals, including raccoons, skunks, shrews, and moles, can eat their grubs. june bug image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com. (If you have chickens, theyll be happy to take care of the pests for you!). The June bug and the Japanese beetle are similar in appearance and are both beetles within the Order Coleoptera and Family Scarabaeidae. The green is shiny and reflects sunlight to a degree. The Japanese beetle has an average size of 10-12 mm (0.4 - 0.5 in), and the largest one can reach 15 mm (0.6 in). June bugs, on the other hand, belong to the genus Phyllophaga where there are over 900 species of the insect. The larvae (grubs) feed on the grass roots until they are forced below the frost line, only to emerge in the summer as adults. Swarms of these insects appeared after a heavy rain. It is sometimes confused with the related southwestern species figeater beetle Cotinis . Additionally, June bugs are nocturnal, while Japanese beetles are diurnal. Adult figeater beetles lay their eggs 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) Alternatively, you can spray dish soap and water on your lawn to suffocate the grubs. I have seen a number of these beetles on one tree in our yard. So for that reason, many of those less than graceful landing sites will be our window screens. They are scientifically known as Phyllophaga spp ., a member of the Scarabaeidae family, and . Fig beetles are giant beetles that are about 1.25 when fully matured. an egg under the beetles wing covers, where it will hatch and feed on the beetle, eventually killing it. This is a Fig-Eater or Green June Beetle, Cotinis nitida. The term May or June beetles refers to some 10 different species of beetles in the genus Phyllophaga, that are known to injure turfgrass. However, heres where things get confusing. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Continis texana. The Green June beetle larvae feed and finally grow into the Green June beetle grub. The green June beetle is a large beetle (3/4 inch to 1 inch-long) related to the infamous June beetle or Junebug-the larval form of which is the white grub pest of lawns. Or just let me know directly! These are the two main sources of food that attract them to your yard. For example, Japanese beetles are rich in protein and they are good sources of Zinc and B12. Several other key differences between the two insects are described below. Clean up leaf litter. They feature three different pairs of legs, starting right behind their heads. Skunks and moles also eat grubs. It's the adult fig beetles that just love the ripe fruit. Have some feedback for us? beneath the surface of the soil in late summer. Always wash your hands afterward. Other similarities between June bugs and Japanese beetles include: Thank you for reading! At their larva stage, May beetles predominantly eat the roots of vegetation and crops. This is because the adult June bug doesnt eat enough of a tree, plant, or flower to cause massive destruction. In the garden, frequent tilling in fall and early spring can bring the grubs to the surface, where they will likely die of exposure or be eaten by birds. On the other hand, the June bug has a size of about 12-25 mm (0.5 to 1 in). The Japanese beetle is non-native, smaller, and likes to devour leaves. A Japanese beetle is usually a mix of green and copper with bronze wing coverings. Are they outstanding bugs or maybe not so good? The larvae feed on grass, broadleaf weed, tree and shrub . It is at this grub stage that the June Beetle is not a gardeners pal. I share handy DIY pest techniques I come across here to help out others (and possibly save them from a mental breakdown). These audacious beetles even made an appearance on live TV over the weekend: Fig beetles are gorgeous, metallic-green beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as scarab beetles. From top level menus, use escape to exit the menu. After hatching, the larvae can live for 2-3 years in the ground before surfacing to become an adult. Japanese beetles and June bugs may be classified in the same order and family, but they have different genera and scientific names. If you see beetles on your fig tree, theyre most likely figeaters. At night, Japanese beetles go to their underground nests. You can use manual removal, tree netting, and set up traps. You just have to get used to getting whacked in the face on occasion. However, a graceful flight is not an option. June bugs have four stages in their life cycle: Egg Larva- Pupa- Adult. The easiest method is to use repellents to keep them away from your figs in the first place. The females tend to have much smaller flight wings than the males. June Bug And Japanese Beetle Similarities, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cotinis_nitida/, https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/bugnos, https://entomology.wsu.edu/outreach/bug-info/ten-lined-june-beetle/, From brown with green streaks to uniform metallic green. Red Milkweed Beetle. The Figeater is generally found later in the year in August and September, while the Green June Beetle generally flies in July. a large genus of New World scarab beetles. They are related to green June beetles ( C. nitida) which are more commonly found in the South Eastern United States. However, each has several distinct features. Prior to pupation, the third-instar larva forms a protective case composed of soil particles bound together by a sticky secretion. This isnt practical for large figeater populations. Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menus. The June bug is nocturnal and attracted to bright lights. They are nocturnal and are attracted to lights at night. The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is an imported beetle distinct from American June bugs. Guilford County, North Carolina, USA July 10, 2019 Size: ~ 1.9 cm in length . Fresh mounds of trails or pulverized soil can be spotted during these warm days. Folks with this bug as their spirit animal also tend to stay close to home, yet they find highly creative jobs that can have an impact worldwide. The heavy-bodied June beetles vary from 12 to 25 . The tree is not generally very cold hardy and new growth in Spring can be damaged by temperatures of -1C (30.2F). bugs die after becoming exposed to light for too long. The body is forest green on top, with or without tan stripes on the wings, and the underside is metallic green or gold. They are generally between 1/2 and 1 inch long, and may be brown, black or maroon, without any . If you have fig trees or other fruits in your yard, that may be why green beetles are in your yard. Dont use soils with high manure content. The fact that this sighting was made in East Texas inclines us toward the Green June Beetle, but the time of year and food source incline us toward the Figeater. It is not only animals that feed on May beetles, insects also do the same. They all have slightly different food preferences and appearance. Japanese beetles and May & June beetles. It is found in the eastern United States and Canada, where it is most abundant in the South. Remember that you must consult a specialist before using any of the products or advice on the web. Theyre also often confused with June bugs and other beetles because theyre very similar in appearance. They crawl on everything so it can transfer bacteria directly through its feet. Prune your plants to get rid of their food source. After they become adults with hard shells, the number of predators that eats them reduces. Of course, they only appear black when seen against the bright sky. Regarding your question about damaging the tree, we would say that the beetle is not causing damage, but is benefiting from damage potentially caused by some wood boring insects. They have hard covers on their wings that dont reach the end of their abdomen. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. There are many beetles that share the June bug name, and they have many common attributes that make it easy for people to lump them together under that label. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It only takes about 2 weeks until those little buggers hatch, work their way to the surface and commence munching on your lawn. Also, green June beetles are green to copperish green in color and more pointed toward the anterior (head) end. The same goes for keeping your yard clean. Getting rid of the Japanese beetles is not hard. Place the jar wherever you think June bugs are present. Japanese beetles are multicolored while June beetles are usually a single color of either reddish-brown or black.