Bug Identifier
Likely June beetle (June bug)
Community identification

Likely June beetle (June bug)

Phyllophaga spp.

Order & Family
Coleoptera; Scarabaeidae
Size
Usually 15–30 mm long, depending on species.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Adults occur around vegetation, lights, gardens, and woodland edges; larvae live underground in soil, especially beneath lawns and plants.

Diet & Feeding

Adults commonly feed on leaves, flowers, and occasionally fruit. Larvae (white grubs) eat plant roots and organic matter in soil.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are mostly nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights, often appearing in late spring or summer. They are clumsy fliers; the three-year life cycle commonly includes one or more years as underground larvae.

Risks & Benefits

Adults are harmless to people and do not sting; larvae can damage lawns, turf, and crop roots. They also serve as food for birds, mammals, and other predators and help cycle soil organic matter.