
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.
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.