Green June Beetles
Meta Description: Green June beetles damage lawns and fruits as larvae and adults. Learn how to identify infestations and protect your landscape.
Overview
Green June beetles (Cotinis nitida) are large, metallic scarab beetles commonly found throughout the eastern and southern United States. Known for their striking green coloration and loud buzzing flight, these beetles are frequently observed during summer months as they fly low over lawns and gardens. While adult beetles are often seen as a nuisance due to their erratic flight patterns, the larval stage is typically more damaging to turfgrass and soil structure.
These beetles are part of the family Scarabaeidae, which includes many well-known species such as Japanese beetles and June bugs. Unlike some related pests, adult green June beetles primarily feed on ripe or decaying fruit, while their larvae develop in soil rich in organic matter. This dual feeding behavior allows them to impact both landscapes and fruit production systems.
Green June beetles are particularly active in mid to late summer, when adults emerge to mate and lay eggs. Their presence is often associated with areas that contain high levels of organic material, such as compost piles, manure-rich soil, or heavily fertilized lawns.
Identification
Adult green June beetles are large, typically measuring around 3/4 to 1 inch in length. They have a metallic green body with bronze or yellowish edges along the wing covers. Their underside is often a shiny metallic gold or green.
Larvae, commonly referred to as grubs, are cream-colored with a brown head and are often found curled into a “C” shape. They are larger than many other grub species and have a distinctive habit of crawling on their backs.
Habitat
Green June beetles are commonly found in lawns, gardens, orchards, and agricultural fields. They prefer areas with abundant organic material, which provides food for developing larvae.
Larvae are typically found in soil, particularly in areas with compost, manure, or decaying plant material. Adults are often seen around fruit trees, gardens, and open grassy areas.
Behavior and Damage
Adult beetles feed on ripe or overripe fruits, including peaches, berries, and figs. While they rarely attack healthy fruit, their feeding can damage crops and attract other pests.
Larvae feed on organic matter in the soil but can also disrupt turfgrass by burrowing and creating tunnels. This activity can damage root systems and lead to uneven or weakened lawns.
Their burrowing behavior may also create visible mounds or disturbed soil, which can be unsightly in maintained landscapes.
Impact
Green June beetles are considered both nuisance pests and landscape pests. While adults are mostly a nuisance, larvae can damage turf and soil structure.
In agricultural settings, adult feeding on fruit can reduce crop quality and attract additional pests.
Prevention and Control
Reducing organic matter in soil, such as excess compost or manure, can help limit larval development. Maintaining proper lawn care practices can also reduce susceptibility to damage.
Monitoring adult activity and removing overripe fruit can help reduce attraction and reproduction.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Scarabaeidae