Ten-lined June Beetle

Natural Habitat

Coniferous forests and sandy-soil areas throughout western North America

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on the needles of coniferous trees; larvae (grubs) live underground and feed on the roots of shrubs and trees.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal and strongly attracted to artificial lights; when disturbed or picked up, they can produce a distinct hissing sound by rubbing their abdomen against their wing covers.

Risks & Benefits

They are harmless to humans and cannot bite or sting; while they can be minor agricultural pests due to root damage from larvae, they serve as a food source for birds and small mammals.

Identified on: 6/25/2026