Japanese Beetle

Found in lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields; prevalent in suburban and rural areas across North America and East Asia.

Adults feed on the foliage, flowers, and fruits of over 300 plant species (including roses, grapes, and hops), skeletonizing the leaves. Larvae (grubs) eat the roots of grasses.

Adults are highly active during the day, especially in direct sunlight. They release aggregation pheromones that attract large groups to single plants. Life cycle involves underground overwintering as larvae.

Considered a highly destructive invasive pest. They cause significant damage to ornamental plants, turfgrass, and agricultural crops. They offer very little ecosystem benefit outside of their native range.