Asiatic Garden Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, lawns, and agricultural fields; common in the Northeastern United States.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on foliage and flowers of various ornamental plants; larvae (grubs) eat the roots of grasses and weeds.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are nocturnal and are highly attracted to bright lights at night. They spend the day buried in the soil and emerge at dusk. Life cycle includes a larval stage (white grub) that spends winter underground.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a minor to moderate garden pest due to leaf damage. They pose no direct risk to humans but can be a nuisance when they swarm around outdoor lighting.

Identified on: 5/1/2026