Japanese Beetle

Natural Habitat

Lawns, gardens, agricultural fields, and ornamental landscapes. They prefer areas with ample vegetation for feeding and reproduction.

Diet & Feeding

Broad generalists, feeding on the foliage, flowers, or fruits of over 300 species of plants, including roses, grapes, beans, and corn. Larvae feed on grass roots.

Behavior Patterns

Adult beetles are most active during the day, especially in warm, sunny weather. They are strong fliers and aggregate on plants, often defoliating them. Females lay eggs in the soil, which hatch into C-shaped white grubs that feed on roots. The life cycle typically takes one year.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Japanese Beetles are significant agricultural and horticultural pests, causing widespread damage to crops and ornamental plants. Their feeding can weaken or kill plants. Benefits: No significant direct benefits are known for this invasive species in areas where it is not native. In its native range in Japan, natural predators and parasites help keep its populations in check.

Identified on: 10/18/2025