Japanese Beetle
Popillia japonica
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameJapanese Beetle
DescriptionMetallic green and copper-colored beetle with white tufts on sides. Adults skeletonize leaves while grubs damage grass roots underground.
TypeInsect
FamilyScarabaeidae
GenusPopillia
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderColeoptera
SubfamilyRutelinae
Features
- Named after its origin in Japan. Accidentally introduced to the United States in 1916 and has become a major invasive pest
- Adults have metallic green head and thorax with copper-brown wing covers. Five patches of white hair on each side of abdomen. Grubs are C-shaped, cream-colored with brown heads
- Adults feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits by chewing between leaf veins. Grubs live underground feeding on grass roots and organic matter
- Create distinctive skeletonized leaves with lacy appearance. Damaged leaves turn brown and fall off. Grubs cause brown dead patches in lawns that peel back like carpet
- Complete lifecycle in one year. Adults emerge in summer for 6-8 weeks. Females lay 40-60 eggs in soil. Grubs overwinter deep in soil and resume feeding in spring
- Adults measure 8-15 mm (0.35-0.6 inches) long. Grubs grow to 25-32 mm (1-1.25 inches) long
- Most active in warm, sunny weather from late June through August. Prefer temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). Grubs are active in spring and fall
- Attack roses, grapes, raspberries, beans, apples, cherries, plums, linden, birch, elm, corn, soybeans, and over 300 other plant species
- Prevent by planting resistant varieties, maintaining healthy plants, avoiding beetle traps that attract more beetles, and reducing lawn watering during egg-laying season
- Natural predators include birds, spined soldier bugs, and parasitic wasps. Handpick adults into soapy water. Treat grubs with milky spore, beneficial nematodes, or Bt galleriae. Use neem oil or kaolin clay for adults
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificPopillia japonica
English (Alternate)Metallic green beetle, Copper beetle, Lawn grub beetle
Hindiजापानी भृंग (Japani Bhringa)
Tamilஜப்பானிய வண்டு (Jappāniya vaṇṭu)
Teluguజపనీస్ బీటిల్ (Japanees Beetil)
Malayalamജാപ്പനീസ് വണ്ട് (Jāppanīs vaṇṭ)
Kannadaಜಪಾನೀಸ್ ಜೀರುಂಡೆ (Japānīs jīruṇḍe)
Sanskritजापानी भृङ्ग (Jāpānī Bhṛṅga)
Bengaliজাপানি গুবরে পোকা (Japani Gubrey Poka)
Frenchscarabée japonais
Russianяпонский жук (yaponskiy zhuk)
Spanishescarabajo japonés
GermanJapankäfer
