Green June Beetle: Essential Facts and Tips

The green June beetle, scientifically known as Cotinis nitida, is an unmistakable insect due to its metallic green hue and relatively large size. Sporting a length of nearly 1 inch, these beetles have bronze to yellow body margins, with wing covers that can sometimes appear reddish-brown source.

In their larval stage, green June beetles are cream-colored grubs that grow up to 2 inches long. While often considered minor pests, they can still create issues by burrowing in turf and creating small mounds of soil on the surface. However, they feed mainly on decaying organic matter at night rather than the roots themselves source.

As adults, green June beetles are part of the scarab beetle family, and their large, attractive appearance can grab attention despite being generally harmless. They are most active in the May or June months, subsequently laying eggs that hatch between June and early July. Green June beetles and their larvae have a preference for feeding on grass, broadleaf weeds, and even tree and shrub roots source.

Green June Beetle Identification

Color and Size

The Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida) exhibits a metallic green color, with their body margins ranging between bronze to yellow and their wing covers sometimes appearing reddish-brown. They are relatively large insects, growing to be around 1 inch long and about 1/2 inch wide.

Characteristics

Belonging to the Scarabaeidae family, the Green June Beetle has several distinct characteristics:

• Cream-colored grubs: These grow from 1/4 inch to 2 inches long and eventually develop into pupae.
• Pupae: Brown in color and roughly 1/2 inch long.
• Legs: These insects have powerful legs that aid in digging burrows and pushing their flat bodies through soil.

Their larvae, known as white grubs, are often recognized while hunching across the ground on their backs while extending their legs.

Comparison of Cotinis nitida’s life stages:

With this information, it becomes easier to identify the Green June Beetle based on their distinct color, size, and characteristics.

Life Cycle and Habitat

Eggs and Hatching

• The life cycle of the Green June Beetle begins in summer when females lay their eggs.
• The eggs are buried in the soil and hatch in about 3 weeks into larvae.

Larval Stage

• The larvae are cream-colored and can grow up to 2 inches long.
• They feed on decaying organic matter until the winter, and then go deeper into the soil to survive the colder season.

Pupation

• Pupation occurs in the spring, and pupae are brown and 1/2 inch long.
• It takes around 3 weeks for the adult beetles to fully develop, and once they emerge, they make their way to the surface.

Adult Stage

• Adult Green June Beetles are metallic green, measuring 3/4 to 1 inch in length and 1/2 inch wide.
• They are primarily active during the daytime and are known for their fondness of late summer fruits, such as figs, peaches, and plums.

Green June Beetles can be found in a variety of habitats, such as gardens, woodlands, and orchards. They prefer moist soil for laying eggs due to their larval stage, which requires access to a rich, organic food source. After emerging from the soil as adults, they are attracted to fruit trees and bushes, making them a potential problem for fruit growers.
However, there are various natural predators, including the parasitic wasp, Scolia dubia, which can help control the Green June Beetle population and prevent severe damages to crops.

Feeding Habits and Damages

Food Sources

Green June beetle larvae mainly feed on:

• Decaying organic matter
• Roots of various plants

Adult beetles, on the other hand, often consume fruits such as:

• Apples
• Peaches
• Grapes
• Berries

They also feed on some vegetables¹.

Damage to Plants

Larvae cause damage by:

• Burrowing through soil, disrupting roots²
• Feeding on plant roots, especially turfgrass³

Adult beetles cause damage by:

• Piercing fruits to consume the liquid contents⁴
• Encouraging mold growth on punctured fruits

Affected Crops

Here are some common crops affected by Green June beetle:

• Corn
• Fruits (apples, peaches, grapes, berries)
• Turfgrass
• Various vegetables

Comparison Table

Natural Predators and Prevention

Birds and Mammals

Several birds and mammals serve as natural predators of the green June beetle, helping to keep their population under control. Examples of these predators include:

• Birds: Black and white species like crows and magpies.
• Mammals: Skunks, raccoons, and moles.

These animals prey on the beetle larvae, which are commonly found in grass and soil around trees and gardens.

Insects and Other Predators

In the insect world, there are other predators that help manage the green June beetle population:

• Digger wasp (Scolia dubia): This large, showy, orange and black colored parasitic wasp can keep the beetle in check by preying on their larvae.

Preventive Measures

Some simple preventive measures can reduce the chances of a green June beetle infestation in your garden or lawn. Consider the following steps:

• Remove damaged and overripe fruits from trees, as beetles are attracted to ripe, thin-skinned fruits.
• Regularly water and aerate your lawn to promote healthy grass growth.
• Avoid bright outdoor lights at night, since these beetles are attracted to light.

Implementing these preventive measures can help to minimize beetle damage and protect your outdoor spaces.

Control and Management Methods

Cultural Control

Cultural control involves maintaining healthy lawn conditions by adjusting practices like watering, mowing, and fertilizing. For example:

• Watering: Less frequent, deep irrigation instead of daily shallow watering
• Mowing: Keep grass length about 3 inches
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

These practices help establish a strong root system, making it difficult for June beetle grubs to thrive.

Chemical Control

Chemical control can be effective in managing June beetle populations. Commonly used insecticides include:

• Imidacloprid
• Halofenozide
• Carbaryl

Note: Carefully follow the label instructions on any chemical product to ensure its proper use.

Biological Control

Biological control methods use natural predators or parasites to manage pests, such as:

• Nematodes: Beneficial microscopic worms that infect and kill grubs
• Milky spore: A bacterium (Bacillus popilliae) that targets Japanese beetle grubs
• Scolia dubia: A parasitic wasp that preys on June beetle grubs

These methods are usually safe for beneficial organisms and the environment.

Geographical Distribution

The Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida) is native to the eastern United States¹. It has a wide distribution, stretching from Connecticut to Florida, and from Kansas to the east coast².

In Texas, the beetle can also be found³. However, its presence in Canada remains unreported.

Here’s a brief comparison of the Green June Beetle’s distribution in these regions:

• Key characteristics of the Green June Beetle:
  • Metallic green color
  • Size: 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide⁴
  • Fondness for ripe, thin-skinned fruits²

Similar Beetle Species

The Green June beetle is often confused with other beetle species, such as Japanese beetles and May beetles. These three species have distinct characteristics, making it important to differentiate them for proper identification and management.

Japanese Beetles:

• Originates from Japan
• Metallic green with copper-colored wings
• About 1/2 inch long

Green June Beetles:

• Native to the eastern United States
• Metallic green with reddish-brown wing covers
• Nearly 1 inch long

May Beetles:

• Also known as June Bugs
• Brown to dark reddish-brown color
• About 1 inch long

Here’s a comparison table to highlight the differences:

These beetle species cause damage to plants in different ways. The Japanese beetles are known to skeletonize leaves, leaving only the veins behind. On the other hand, Green June beetles and May beetles primarily feed on leaves and fruits.

Identifying the correct beetle species is crucial for implementing the right pest control measures.