Japanese Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found in grasslands, gardens, and agricultural areas, originally native to Japan but now widespread in North America.

Diet & Feeding

Adults are generalist herbivores that skeletonize leaves of over 300 plant species; larvae (grubs) eat the roots of grasses.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active during the day, flying to food sources and aggregating together using pheromones. They have a one-year life cycle, spending most of it underground as larvae.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a highly invasive agricultural and garden pest that can cause extensive damage to crops and turf; they have no significant benefits to the ecosystems where they are invasive.

Identified on: 5/16/2026