
Community identification
Grapevine Beetle
Pelidnota punctata
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae
- Size
- 20 to 30 mm (0.8 to 1.2 inches) long.
Natural Habitat
Found in forests, thickets, and vineyards across eastern and central North America.
Diet & Feeding
Adults eat the leaves and fruit of grapevines; larvae (grubs) feed on decaying wood of tree stumps.
Behavior Patterns
They are primarily active during the summer and are frequently attracted to porch lights at night. They fly with a loud buzzing sound.
Risks & Benefits
They are generally considered harmless to humans and are minor pests for vineyards, as they rarely cause significant crop damage.