Japanese beetle

Gardens, agricultural fields, grasslands, and suburban landscapes across eastern and central North America and parts of Europe and Asia.

Adults skeletonize leaves and feed on flowers and fruits of over 300 plant species; larvae (grubs) feed on grass roots underground.

Adults emerge in summer, assemble in large groups to feed and mate, and emit aggregation pheromones; females burrow into damp soil to lay eggs.

Highly destructive agricultural and garden pest that causes severe defoliation and lawn damage; offers virtually no ecosystem benefits outside its native range.