Bug Identifier
Grapevine Beetle
Community identification

Grapevine Beetle

Pelidnota punctata

Order & Family
Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae
Size
20 to 30 millimeters (roughly 1 inch)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in forests, thickets, and vineyards across eastern and central North America.

Diet & Feeding

Adults eat the leaves and fruit of Grapevines (Vitis) and Virginia Creeper; larvae feed on rotting wood of deciduous trees like oak and hickory.

Behavior Patterns

Active during the summer months, they are nocturnal and frequently attracted to porch lights or windows. They fly with a loud buzzing sound and are often clumsy once landed.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans and not considered a major agricultural pest despite their name. They play a role in the ecosystem by helping decompose rotting wood during their larval stage.