June beetles, also known as May beetles, are a type of scarab beetle that is commonly found in various regions across the United States. These beetles, which can grow up to 5/8 inches long and appear reddish-brown, are known for their nocturnal activities and attraction to artificial lights during the warmer months of the year Texas A&M University. While they are not considered aggressive insects, it is essential to understand if they pose any risk of biting humans or pets. This article will answer the question: Do June Beetles Bite?
In general, June beetles are not known for biting or causing harm to humans, as their primary food source consists of plants and decaying organic matter. However, it is important to note that their larvae, known as white grubs, can cause damage to lawns and gardens by feeding on the roots of plants Integrated Pest Management. Additionally, some beetle species may show a tendency to bite or nibble if they feel threatened or unintentionally come in contact with human skin.
Identifying June Beetles
Physical Characteristics
June beetles, also known as June bugs, are members of the Scarabaeidae family. Among the species in this family, two common types are the Ten-lined June beetle and the Green June beetle (Cotinis nitida). These beetles are generally robust in shape and have a range of colors including metallic green and dark brown. Their elytra, or wing covers, may have reddish-brown or bronze-colored margins.
- Ten-lined June beetle: dark brown to black color, around 1 inch long
- Green June beetle: metallic green color, nearly 1 inch long, bronze-yellow body margins
Behavior
June beetles are typically nocturnal and are attracted to lights at night. They are known for their characteristic buzzing, which resembles the sound of a toy helicopter. They tend to fly near the ground and may occasionally land on people, which can be mistaken for a bite. Despite some misconceptions, June beetles are not aggressive and do not bite humans.
Habitat
These scarab beetles are commonly found throughout North and South America. They inhabit a variety of environments including forests, gardens, and grasslands. Their larvae, known as grubs, are found in soil and feed on plant roots, while adult beetles feed on leaves and fruits of various plants.
Larval habitat
- Soil: grubs are often found in turfgrass
Adult habitat
- Forests
- Gardens
- Grasslands
Do June Beetles Bite?
Interaction with Humans
June beetles are not known to bite humans. They are typically more of a nuisance due to their attraction to outdoor lights during the night. However, they may move in a clumsy manner when walking or flying, coming into contact with humans occasionally. While June beetles pose no direct threat, they may startle adults, children, and pets when they are touched, and they may emit a hissing noise when disturbed.
Defense Mechanisms
June beetles have some basic defense mechanisms, including:
- Hissing noise: When threatened or molested, they can produce a hissing noise by rubbing their wings against their thorax. This sound might scare off potential predators, like birds and small mammals.
- Appearance: Their large size and robust appearance may deter some predators from attacking.
Feature | June Beetles |
---|---|
Interaction with humans | Not known to bite; may startle when touched |
Interaction with pets | No threat |
Interaction with birds | Deterred by hissing noise |
Interaction with children | No threat; may startle |
In summary, June beetles are not known to bite humans or pets and primarily serve as a nuisance due to their attraction to lights. Their defense mechanisms involve a hissing noise and their appearance, which can deter predators like birds but are not harmful to humans or pets.
June Beetle Life Cycle and Diet
Eggs and Larvae
June beetle eggs are laid in the soil, where they hatch into larvae commonly known as white grubs. The following are some characteristics of their eggs and larvae:
- Eggs: Laid in June to early July
- Larvae (white grubs): Cream-colored with three pairs of legs, up to 1¼ inches long
The larvae feed on:
- Plant roots
- Grass
- Broadleaf weed
- Tree and shrub roots
Example of damage caused by larvae:
- Chewing turfgrass roots, leading to reduced growth or wilted appearance
Pupa to Adult June Bug
June beetles undergo metamorphosis and transform into a pupa, then into an adult june bug. Here are some characteristics of the pupa and adult stages:
- Pupa: Brown, ½ inch long
- Adult June Bug: Almost 1-inch long, metallic green with bronze to yellow body margins, sometimes reddish-brown wing covers
Adult June beetle diet:
- Foliage
- Flowers
- Roses
- Corn
Pros and Cons of June Beetles’ Presence:
Pros:
- None
Cons:
- Destroy plants and turfgrass
- Damage rose gardens
Comparison Table: Life Cycle Stages
Stage | Size | Color | Diet |
---|---|---|---|
Larvae (Grub) | Up to 1¼ inches long | Cream-colored | Plant roots, grass, shrubs |
Pupa | ½ inch long | Brown | None |
Adult June Bug | Almost 1-inch long | Metallic green, yellowish margins, sometimes reddish-brown wing covers | Foliage, flowers, roses, corn |
June Beetle Pests and Damage
Impact on Plants and Trees
June beetles, specifically the Green June Beetle and the May/June Beetle, are known for causing damage to plants and trees. Their larvae, known as grubs, feed on the roots of various plants, leading to wilting and sometimes death.
Example:
- Green June Beetle larvae damage roots of grass, trees, and ornamental plants
- May/June Beetle grubs consume roots of grasses, broadleaf weeds, and shrubs
As adults, beetles from the Phyllophaga genus may also feed on tree leaves, creating ragged holes. They are nocturnal and often attracted to doors and windows where light is present.
Property Damage
In addition to causing harm to plants, June Beetles can cause property damage. Infestations of their larvae may result in unsightly brown patches on lawns. Moreover, Japanese Beetles, a relative of the June Beetle, are known for causing extensive damage to foliage and flowers.
Comparison table:
Beetle Type | Damage to Plants | Damage to Property |
---|---|---|
Green June Beetle | Roots, leaves | Brown patches on lawns |
May/June Beetle | Roots, leaves | – |
Japanese Beetle | Foliage, flowers | – |
Sometimes, June Beetles may be confused with Chafer Beetles, another type of beetle that causes similar damage to lawns and plants.
Pros and cons of controlling June Beetles:
Pros:
- Protects plants from damage
- Preserves the appearance of lawns and gardens
- Reduces the chances of further infestations
Cons:
- Use of chemical pesticides may be harmful to the environment
- Invasive methods may disrupt the ecosystem
It is important to take appropriate measures to control June Beetle infestations and prevent any further damage to plants and property. Regular monitoring and use of eco-friendly treatment options can help minimize their impact.
Natural Predators and Pest Control
Animals that Prey on June Beetles
June beetles have several natural predators that help control their population:
- Moles: These animals feed on the larval stage of June beetles, known as white grubs.
- Skunks and Raccoons: They dig up turf to eat the larvae, which can cause damage to lawns but help reduce beetle populations.
- Birds: Various bird species will eat adult June beetles as well as their larvae.
- Bats: These nocturnal creatures feed on adult beetles during their active flight periods.
Biological Control Methods
There are also some biological control methods that can help manage June beetle populations:
- Beneficial Nematodes: Applying beneficial nematodes to the soil can target the larval stage and provide effective pest management.
Predator | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Moles | Effective on larvae | May damage lawns |
Skunks & Raccoons | Eat larvae | Can cause lawn damage |
Birds | Eat larvae and adult beetles | |
Bats | Feed on adult beetles during flight |
By using these natural predators and biological control methods, it is possible to control June beetle populations and minimize the damage they can cause to your garden and landscape.
June Beetle Prevention and Management
Insecticides and Pesticides
In controlling June beetles, a variety of insecticides and pesticides are available. Some common insecticides include imidacloprid, which is effective against both adult beetles and their grubs.
Pros:
- Effective in controlling June beetles
- Targets both adults and grubs
Cons:
- May harm beneficial insects
- Potential chemical exposure risks
DIY Pest Control Measures
For homeowners who prefer a more natural approach, several DIY pest control methods can be employed. For example:
- Using molasses traps, which lure June beetles with their scent and then trap them in a sticky solution
- Placing commercial beetle traps around the yard, which also attract and capture beetles with their specific pheromones
Maintaining a Healthy Lawn
A healthy lawn is the foundation for successful June beetle prevention. Here are some key steps to achieve it:
- Regularly mow and water the grass
- Limiting thatch build-up, as it can serve as a food source for larvae
- Keep trees and shrubs well-pruned
Comparison of Pest Control Methods:
Method | Effectiveness | Environmental Impact | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Insecticides | High | Moderate | Moderate |
DIY Pest Control | Moderate | Low | Low |
Maintaining Lawn | High | Low | Low |
By applying research-based measures like insecticides, DIY pest control, and lawn care, homeowners can prevent June beetle infestations and maintain a healthy living space.
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
95 Comments. Leave new
These guys will always win my vote for “best personality” in the beetle world. They’re so goofy when tons of them are slamming into your windows because of the lights, they are fuzzy, and they squeek when you poke them. <3.
Since moving to Montana from Illinois six years ago, this has become one of my favorite beetles, even though I’ve only ever seen two of them.
Hi Daniel and Deb,
For the record, only a few insect species make me salivate. I tried some of these in the summer of last year, I found a couple dozen in a log in southern AZ. I think that both these pictured here and the ones I had were Rhinoceros beetles in the genus Strategus.
I had high hopes for the experience but wasn’t fond of them. Their insides are really muddy with digested wood — slow metabolism — and their skins are tough and chewy. I’ve read accounts of them described as delectable: not my findings.
Dave
http://www.smallstockfoods.com
We have similar grubs here in NSW, Australia that are also edible. We call them witchetty grubs.
Hi Ezzarat,
Actually, witchetty grubs are caterpillars of moths in the Cossidae family. Therefore they’re pretty different from these grubs (for example they feed on the roots of certain bushes, whereas these beetle larvae consume compost or rotting wood).
Bardi grubs are also traditionally consumed in Australia, and they are the larvae of Cerambycid beetles, so that’s a bit closer.
Cheers.
Thank you, bug man. I shared your nearly instant identification with my friends on facebook.
We had a strange invasion of bugs last night (07/16/13). The weather was very abnormal for western Washington, so maybe that has something to do with it? We do have flood lights that we leave on all night long so maybe this attracted them too? We have a very large (almost 2 inches long 3/4 inch wide) ten lined June beetle attached to screen door with hundreds of tiny black winged ant looking bugs all over our porch. All of the winged bugs appear to be dead. The beetle however is alive and does not want to leave our porch. I am not a bug lover, could you tell me if maybe I have a pest problem? I do have many flower beds and large raised bed vegetable garden, should I be concerned for my plants?
I have pictures but don’t see how to attach them.
This Sunday morning, July 28th, 2013, on my front porch window screen facing south was a 3″ L 1.5″ W 10 lined June Bug with feather eyelashes. This was the biggest June bug I have ever seen. I live on Promontory Mountain in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada.
I only saw one other one about 7 years ago. Where do they originate from. How come they would be here. The back drop of Promontory Mountain, evergreen trees and a lot of wild life.
I live in Oregon on five acres with a mix of farm/forest. I found this beetle in our dog’s plastic wading pool. I thought it had drowned as it didn’t move for two days. I scooped it out and put it in our mud room on a paper towel to dry out so I could take it to class I was teaching on garden insects for a summer camp, “Junior Master Gardeners.” After a night in the mud room, my husband called to me,” Did you know this bug was alive?” I ran to see and by gosh, he was moving his legs and antennae. My husband took him outdoors to see if he could survive 48 hours in the water and another 12 in our house, without food. Hope he made it. He was impressive!
Insects are quite resilient. We have numerous postings of insects and spiders that have survive immersion in water on our site.
7/3
Walking our dog this evening in the wood/forested area of La Pine, OR, we saw a similarly
large striped beetle as depicted in the June Bug photo. Any more information about this
beetle and life cycle would be appreciated.
Yours,
Gail McDaniel
7/3
Walking our dog this evening in the wood/forested area of La Pine, OR, we saw a similarly
large striped beetle as depicted in the June Bug photo. Any more information about this
beetle and life cycle would be appreciated.
Yours,
Gail McDaniel
You can use our search engine to find information on the Ten Lined June Beetle posting that we have in our archive, and BugGuide is also a source of information.
Found a Dead one of these in my parents backyard this summer, making a resin pendant with it for my beetle loving boyfriend. Thanks for the info on this bug, I really wanted to know the name for him.
THE BEST EXPLANATION OF WHAT I WITNESSED IN MY YARD. I’VE KNOWN ABOUT JUNE BUGS SINCE CHILDHOOD & PLAYED WITH THEM WITH A STRING & LETTING THEM FLY. I JUST HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY AT ONE TIME-AT LEAST 100 COUNT.
Alb NM Each night after sundown, while I work in front of the garage. These seasonally cyclic beetles, Kamikaze dive into the pavement and struggle under the sodium light. I caught over 17 last night. The Desert Box Tortoises (we have five) absolutely love them. Crunchy outside, soft chewy inside. One waits at the door each morning, for it’s ‘meals on wings’. Even the 2″ baby turtle excitedly chases and catches them, even while buzzing their wings and hissing. :>)
i got a question… i been looking trough the web and have not find an answer . seriously its said that fig eater beetle does not attacck people and causually sticks on you because of their clumsy flying. but those bugs do really chase after me … for example today i was in the middle of a crowd and it decided to land on me. minutes before i had been chase by another one. last week got chase two times in almost same senario … and actually got one in my head . another time one la see in my ear. i feellike fig eater magnet. is there really something i could do to not attract them. i really look weird running away from them and crouching when one gets stuck on me.please help!
Maybe you smell like a fig or a ripe peach.
I have the same problem! May whip out a tennis racket and whack them as they are constantly hitting me in the head.
Should be entertaining for the neighbors to watch. There goes that crazy lady again!
I have the same problem! May whip out a tennis racket and whack them as they are constantly hitting me in the head.
Should be entertaining for the neighbors to watch. There goes that crazy lady again!
I was stuck in my car today while over 50 or more swarmed and pelted my windows. I was literally being attacked by them. I never got out of the car I just left and told the client why I had to leave. There were so many I would have been covered by the time I ran 20 ft to the door. Yes they do attack!
These beetles are really not funny. I have a producing fig tree out back, and just now came back from trying to gather figs. The figs are literally covered with these beetles. Golf ball sized figs grow to baseball size once the beetles converge on them. There is no way I can save the figs. I’d just like to know how to eliminate the beetles! And they DO dive bomb you and swarm over you if they are disturbed. Get a couple of those caught in your long hair and suddenly you aren’t laughing.
Though we sympathize with your situation, we do not provide extermination advice.
A lot of bugs can’t stand soap did you try Dawn regular strength soap spraying a mild soap spray will suffocate most bugs even those pasty stink bugs and the soap will not hurt the trees at all it actually helps them
One found its way into my apartment and my cats are trying to capture it. Are they toxic to cats?
Thanks!
We just found our first one in our back yard in San Diego ca.
6-18-15
just found one, belly-up in Smith River, Ca..SO beautiful……wish 4 more, only ones a bit more lively! just moved here from Palm Springs..a whole ‘nother different bug assortment to ponder! Such fun! ‘cept for the bananna slugs – which one has to learn to live with…some are quite beautiful…..
6-18-15
just found one, belly-up in Smith River, Ca..SO beautiful……wish 4 more, only ones a bit more lively! just moved here from Palm Springs..a whole ‘nother different bug assortment to ponder! Such fun! ‘cept for the bananna slugs – which one has to learn to live with…some are quite beautiful…..
My grandsons found a 10 striped June beetle on our patio in Chelan, Wa. It had the misfortune of walking on the
“home defense” I spray around the foundation of my house…it’s a biggie. No pine trees anywhere near us.
In Southern Indiana.
Hundreds in my back yard. In my 60 years I’ve never seen more than two
(mating) at a time. Recent heavy and prolonged rains for the last week.
Third day for this “swarm”. No mating observed. Fascinating.
We had a lot of them growing up in San Diego , California in the nineteen sixties and seventies. There are rare sighting these days
In Southern Indiana.
Hundreds in my back yard. In my 60 years I’ve never seen more than two
(mating) at a time. Recent heavy and prolonged rains for the last week.
Third day for this “swarm”. No mating observed. Fascinating.
Thank you. We live here in Flagstaff Az. And have seen this hansom guy many times but I never new his or her name. We had a few make their way into our living room last night, I made hubby get the little guy to use its Velcro feet to stick to rag and carry him safely out doors. Thank you for answering my name question. I will use your site more often. Rose Hadden
Just had two, frolicking under the streetlight over our driveway. My dog tried to catch one and seemed to get a mouthful of something he didn’t like, and it made him drool. He’s okay. Love the tufted antenna on these guys!
I just found my 1st one on the cement driveway In Corvallis Montana,, way west in the Bitterroot Valley. My grandkids thought it was really cool, specially when it started pumping its wings and hissing at us!
Hey, I am just about to add these guys within my shop- collected after their natural life cycle, and not when they are sleeping during the day, as they can seem dead. This little guy is a ten-lined june beetle and what a find for orange!!! I work…. now out of state for Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, up on Modjeska Canyon Road, and we believed these guys to be extinct to the region. You usually only find them where there are a lot of pine trees, and most of our native pines are extremely becoming distinct to Orange County. So cool that you found one!
Gosh they are extinct in your region!?!?! They are EVERY WHERE here in New mexico!!!
Dave, Very nice ! I would like to some specimen samples if possible , they have interesting variations for sure and for a positive ID I will have to see close up . If you can , send me an email at blueribbonfishing@ltol.com . If possible and they are still with your residence , you could save them ( old vitamin bottle/prescription vile ) in a container with a piece of paper towel in it and keep them in the freezer/ refrigerator . I will send you money for a Post Office priority mail box. Or, I will either come down that way to hunt for some or pick up some of your very beautiful Ten Lined Dune Beetles ! Looks close to several dune species , possibly Polyphylla mescalerensis or something like it …. and Maybe something else . Here is a link with some more Pictures ….http://www.virtual-beetle.com/polyphylla%20usa.html… .for back ground relatives . Cheers! Gene St. Denis Sierra Nevada Research South Lake Tahoe
Our cat brought a beetle to the front door last night that sounds similar to one described.. It has wings, is almost 3 inches long, large eyes. Its body resembled a huge bee. It had been a bit injured so I collected it in a cup and placed it in a potted fern where it burrowed to the bottom. We have a few pine trees on the property. Could we have the same beetle?
Today is the first day I’ve seen them this year. After a long dry spell it rained, and now they ate swarming everywhere. Most are low to the ground. Some are just plain crazy flying. We always called them June bugs because they came out in the heat of summer.
Just encountered one of these the other night. I left the door open and the light on, which is a great way to attract bugs, which, I don’t. But anyhow they’re up here in NE Washington near Spokane. What an odd sound they make!
Does it make noise?
They make a squeaking noise known as Stridulation.
For several weeks dozens of them are constantly swarming in and out of my orange tree. I removed all the fruit as I thought this was attracting them but they still keep coming. Have lived here 2 years and not had this problem before. Everything I read doesn’t mention citrus trees so what the heck are they doing in there?
We don’t think the behavior you are experiencing has to do with feeding. According to BugGuide: “The adults can often be seen in numbers flying just inches over turf. The larvae may be considered pests because they destroy the roots of valuable plants.” The activity might have something to do with mating and laying eggs.
I have found these lg grubs in a damages silver maple tree trunk that is decaying but still very much alive. It also has carpenter ants. Would like to prolong life of this tree , any suggestions?
The Carpenter Ants are far more detrimental to the tree than are the Grubs, which feed on already decaying wood, though we suspect neither will kill the tree directly. We predict that the tree will most likely fall during a wind storm. We would let nature take its course. The tree may live for years.
What do June bugs ear?
In Northeast Washington these were very common. I know from experience that they do bite when stepped on in the shower. Felt like a pair if pliers grabbed the bottom of my toe.
Found one at my home in La Mesa, CA in a fairly urban area. I have many fruit, nut, and several Aldarica pines. I was sitting there hissing in the mulch. I welcome any and all insects to my property. Vive la biodiversity!
I just stepped on one thinkin it was a sewer roach. He is still moving well and i will leave him alone now. Whoda thought it was something else? Not me. I will checknon him in the morning since he is in the path of the ants.
I’m being invaded every evening as it starts to get dark. Thousands of the brown June Bugs swarm the roof of my house! It’s really unnerving to hear them slapping against the vinyl siding and the metal roof. It sounds like a hail storm! How do I get rid of them way up there?!
I live on the 4th floor of a 4-floor apartment complex. They are swarming my terrace. Don’t ever remember seeing them before. They are quite large. Two landed on my terrace rug and when I hit them off with a broom, it looked like they were copulating. How do I get rid of them?
LOL they were copulating. They swarm to mate and then lay their eggs. If you have potted plants on your terrace more than likely in a few weeks you will find some of their hideous white grubs in the soil of your plants. I had hundreds of them last year and I had to turn over the soil in all of my raised planter beds to looks for the nasty grubs and destroy them.
My friends and I went to the $1 store and bought butterfly nets. We now have a nightly tournament to see who can catch the most June Bugs. We each have a bucket with water in it and empty our nets in them as necessary then count them up when the swarming stops! It’s fun!
Making the most out of a creepy situation!
Starting to wonder if we’ll ever run out of June Bugs!!
I found the Ten lined June Beetle a few days ago..He was inside my apartment bldg. by the mailboxes . ( I reside in Denver,CO.) They are pretty bugs; with their strips on back. He was on his back kicking all fours in the air…I thought he was struggling. I wanted to help so I took my room key and turned him over on his legs…He ended back on his back…I believed he might have died as I saw him again the next A.M. Same spot…
One just fell out of the sky and landed by my foot while I was washing my car….scared the crap out of me! I never really see these things very often but it did look familiar. I love along the central coast of California and it’s about 10am, so he was out and about during the day.
Found one asleep on front porch in morning. Olympia WA.
These are all over Pueblo CO
Found one in Sedro-Woolley, WA this morning. A very strong beetle , surprised at the hissing it made. First time I had ever seen one!
I see these frequently in the Portland OR area. I work nights so I think I’m seeing a lot of them.
Sorry to report but just whacked one with a shoe ,playing super woman for my 3yr old daughter who is terrified of bugs. And my 34 ur old sitter saying it was a tick…. wish I would have known. But unlike everyone one else, I am in Fort Wayne, Indiana…
The Ten Lined June Beetle is not reported East of the Mississippi River, but BugGuide documents many related and similar looking species in the genus Polyphylla that are found in the East.
How do I upload a picture on here or even give me your email and I will send a picture of what was on my back porch!
You may submit images by using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
Indiana is also not considered East , even though we sit on the east. We are considered Midwest.
IN is east when the range is the Western United States and Canada. Like the other side of the Rockies. Also the Mississippi is generally considered a standard division of East vs West. And have you actually looked at a map or driven out west? Indiana is far closer to the east coast (600mi) than the west coast (1500mi).
Actually yes I’ve looked at plenty of maps in my life as well as lived in Indiana my whole life … Indiana is considered Midwest… look it up for yourself. I get what you are saying … and I’ve question how we are considered Midwest as well. But it is what it is … no need to get down to the mileage on it.
Sorry that I had a condescending tone to my words. I was a little stressed and directed it in the wrong direction.
The Midwest is called such because a couple hundred years ago it was the Midwest part of the settled area of the continent. The name stuck and here we are. At least it hasn’t changed to the currently appropriate name Middle East. Sorry Bugman I know this was a little off topic.
Again, I apologize. If you did indeed have a ten lined June bug it could have arrived as a stowaway in a truck or with some new residents.
Sorry that I had a condescending tone to my words. I was a little stressed and directed it in the wrong direction.
The Midwest is called such because a couple hundred years ago it was the Midwest part of the settled area of the continent. The name stuck and here we are. At least it hasn’t changed to the currently appropriate name Middle East. Sorry Bugman I know this was a little off topic.
Again, I apologize. If you did indeed have a ten lined June bug it could have arrived as a stowaway in a truck or with some new residents.
Thanks bug man I have submitted the picture… again if I’m wrong that’s fine… just simply posting general statement. I don’t know how to link it to this post ..
We received no new submissions from Krista. Did you use a different name?
No I used the same I will go back and try again
I sent it again , it is subject titled “Bug in Indiana”
I just had one fly in my room. in Southern California.
She hissed at me when I tried to lift her off rug
definitely the size of a June bug. my past as a biologist made me observe for
a while. also had 2 scorpions in my room. I seem to be bug blessed
😉
But WHY do they chase people? Me and my dog start running as soon as we see one coming our way.
what do adult brown/white June beetle eat? Pine needles? Found one today NE Portland.
Of the genus, BugGuide states: “Adults feed on tree foliage; larvae feed on roots of shrubs/trees”
Camping in The Oregon Badlands at Renolds Pond in late June these large beetles would emerge from the sand in droves about an hour after sunset. They were very annoying as they were attracted to our heads and end up in our hair. They are so heavy their flight is slow, dizzy, and loud.They appear to put a lot of effort into their flying. As it still somewhat light outside we witnessed swifts and other larger swift looking birds catching them with a resounding smack and squash followed by a chortle either from delight or the bird choking. A gentle swat would bring them to the ground unharmed. They are incredible to observe in flight. They buzz right around your head and their antenna are amazing. They become pests though and we found that climbing in our sleeping bags (we dont do tents) made it hard for them to detect us. They disappear as suddenly as they emerged about an hour later. We could literally watch the clock and know what to expect.
What an interesting personal observation.
Sigh…. I’m a letter carrier… I’ve been questioning my career ever since these beetles came:(. Swarms and swarms everywhere on route. They seem to chase me:(. Will it be over soon? Anyone hiring until they leave??:(
We suspect the swarming Green June Beetles are at the end of their annual life cycle as autumn is approaching.
I thought this was a site for people interested in nature and all of the cool bugs in the world! It’s really sad to see that so many people just want to kill them mainly because they’re annoyed by them. 🙁
Also how is it ever okay to tie a string to any living thing and let it fly around tethered to that string?? Hope you taught your kids that that is NOT cool.
I thought this was a site for people interested in nature and all of the cool bugs in the world! It’s really sad to see that so many people just want to kill them mainly because they’re annoyed by them. 🙁
Also how is it ever okay to tie a string to any living thing and let it fly around tethered to that string?? Hope you taught your kids that that is NOT cool.
My seven year old son just found one on our porch hammock and has adopted it as a pet. He had built a little habitat for it and is anxious to feed it. I can only seem to find information on what their grubs eat. Any idea what the adults eat?
Try pine tree needles.
Cmon get a sense of humor. They’re nasty BUGS! Let’s have some fun!
Hi! We are in Seattle and have been finding this beetle in our house basement. Our cat keeps batting them around the room. Why or how are they getting into the house? All sources I find seem to indicate they don’t want to be inside, and that they do no damage. So why so many in our house? Any ideas appreciated. Thank you!
they are attracted to lights.
Do they hiss?
yes they do and the sound is called stridulation
I love these bugs and try to find some each year….I think the males are attracted to lights because of the sound they give off..my theory is the male think the sound of the light bulb (the hum) is a female june bug….just my theory, why else would they like lights?
Everyone may think these fly boys are cool but we’re having an abundance this summer in Flagstaff AZ! I’ve scooped up 10 just tonight and taken them back outside. I just had the front door open to cool my tiny home off for 3 hrs. One flew into my cats head! He’s having fun chasing them