Green June Beetle

Natural Habitat

Common in lawns, gardens, agricultural fields, orchards, and wooded areas, particularly where there is decaying organic matter for larvae to feed on. They prefer well-irrigated soils.

Diet & Feeding

Adults primarily feed on ripening or overripe fruits (peaches, apples, berries, grapes), corn, and sometimes tree sap. They can also damage ornamental flowers by feeding on pollen and petals. Larvae feed on decaying organic matter in the soil, and sometimes on plant roots, especially in high populations.

Behavior Patterns

Adult green June beetles are strong, clumsy fliers, often heard before they are seen. They are attracted to overripe fruits and other decaying organic matter. Larvae (grubs) live in the soil and feed on organic matter and roots. They are known for crawling on their backs, a distinctive behavior among scarab grubs.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Adults can be a pest in gardens and orchards, damaging ripening fruits and sometimes flowers. Larvae can damage turf by feeding on roots, though their primary food source is decaying organic matter. Benefits: Larvae help in breaking down organic matter in the soil, contributing to nutrient cycling. Adults can, to some extent, aid in pollination while feeding on flowers, though their primary feeding habits are destructive.

Identified on: 6/29/2025