May Beetle (also known as June Bug or May Bug)
Scientific Name: Phyllophaga spp.
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Scarabaeidae
Size: 12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1.0 inch) in length
Natural Habitat
Found in woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas throughout North America. They are often found near lights at night.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs at night. Larvae (white grubs) live in the soil and feed on the roots of grasses and other plants.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal and strongly attracted to artificial light. They have a 1- to 4-year life cycle, spending most of it underground as larvae before emerging in late spring (May-June).
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting. They can be agricultural and lawn pests, as the larvae damage plant roots and the adults defoliate trees. They serve as a food source for many birds and mammals.
Identified on: 5/22/2026