Bug Identifier
June Bug (specifically a May Beetle)
Community identification

June Bug (specifically a May Beetle)

Phyllophaga spp.

Order & Family
Order Coleoptera, Family Scarabaeidae
Size
12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 inch) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Grassy areas, lawns, gardens, and deciduous forests; often found near outdoor lights at night.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs; larvae (known as white grubs) live underground and feed on the roots of grasses and plants.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal and attracted to bright lights. They are known for their clumsy flight and the tendency to crash into windows or walls. They undergo a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) over 1 to 3 years.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or sting and are harmless to humans. However, the larvae can be pests for lawns and agriculture by damaging root systems. They serve as a vital food source for birds, skunks, and other wildlife.