Bug Identifier
Grapevine Beetle
Community identification

Grapevine Beetle

Pelidnota punctata

Order & Family
Order Coleoptera; Family Scarabaeidae
Size
20 mm to 30 mm (0.8 to 1.2 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found throughout eastern and central North America in deciduous forests, thickets, and vineyards.

Diet & Feeding

Adults eat the leaves and fruit of wild and cultivated grapevines. Larvae (grubs) feed on rotting wood of deciduous trees.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are most active during the summer months and are frequently attracted to porch lights at night. They are generally slow-moving and fly with a loud buzzing sound.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans. While they can cause minor damage to grape foliage, they are generally not considered major agricultural pests. They serve as a food source for birds and small mammals.