
Community identification
Likely June beetle (June bug)
Phyllophaga spp.
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Scarabaeidae
- Size
- Usually 15–30 mm long, depending on species.
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.