June beetles are troublesome pests that can cause significant damage to your lawn and garden. They come in various colors and sizes, with one common example being the green June beetle, which can grow nearly an inch long and have a metallic green appearance. These beetles can wreak havoc on plants, fruits, and the root systems of your lawn, making it essential to find effective ways to get rid of them.
There are several methods to rid your yard of these pesky beetles, ranging from manual removal to using more targeted approaches. For example, it’s possible to reduce their numbers by shaking beetles off plants when they’re sluggish, such as early in the morning, and submerging them in soapy water to kill them.
While the physical removal of June beetles can be effective, it may not always be the most efficient approach. Some alternatives include using insecticides, introducing natural predators, or setting up traps to capture the beetles. Each method has its pros and cons, which should be evaluated based on the size of your beetle infestation and the specific needs of your lawn and garden.
Identifying June Beetles
Physical Characteristics
June beetles, also known as June bugs, are medium to large-sized beetles typically brown in color. They have a noticeably oval shape and hard exoskeletons. Here are some key features of June beetles:
- Oval-shaped body
- Brown or reddish-brown in color
- Hard exoskeleton
One of the most common physical traits is their size, usually ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch in length.
Common Species
There are several species of June beetles, each with minor variations in appearance and behavior. Some common species include the green June beetle and the May or June beetle.
Green June Beetle
The green June beetle (Cotinus nitida) is a large, metallic green beetle measuring around 1 inch long. It has bronze to yellow body margins and reddish-brown wing covers. This species is known for hunching across the ground on their back legs.
May or June Beetle
The May or June beetle has a more typical brown color and varies in size. While their larvae feed on grass and other plant roots for 2 to 3 years, adult beetles emerge during May or June, giving them the name May or June beetle.
Here’s a comparison table for these two common species:
| Species | Size | Color | Distinctive Features | Life Stage Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green June Beetle | Around 1 inch | Metallic green, bronze/yellow margins, reddish-brown wing covers | Hunching locomotion | Adults: 1 season |
| May or June Beetle | Varies | Brown | – | Larvae: 2-3 years, Adults: 1 season |
June Beetle Life Cycle
Eggs
June beetle eggs are laid in the soil during May or June. They hatch in June to early July, allowing the larvae to begin feeding on grass, broadleaf weed, tree, and shrub roots 1.
Larvae and Grubs
The larvae, also known as white grubs, feed on roots during their development. The larval period varies, lasting 2 to 4 years depending by the site and the growing season 2. Younger grubs live deeper in the soil while older grubs can be found closer to the surface, feeding on woody roots.
Here are the main characteristics of June beetle larvae and grubs:
- Cream-colored
- Grow from 1/4 inch to 2 inches long 3
- Feed on various plant roots
Pupa
June beetle larvae pupate in early June, transforming within the soil before emerging as adults 4.
Adult Beetles
Adult June beetles emerge from the soil between late June and the middle of August. Upon emerging, they tend to gather in large numbers, congregating on shrubs and trees 5. Adult beetles are attracted to lights and are most active just before and after sunset during May or June 1.
Some features of adult June beetles are:
- Metallic green color
- Nearly 1 inch long
- Bronze to yellow body margins
- Sometimes reddish-brown wing covers 3
Comparison of June Beetle Life Stages:
| Life Stage | Size/Color | Feeding Habit | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Small/Translucent | N/A | June to July |
| Larvae/Grubs | 1/4 to 2 inches/Cream | Root feeding | 2 to 4 years |
| Pupa | 1/2 inch/Brown | N/A | Early June |
| Adult Beetles | 1 inch/Metallic Green | Feeding on shrubs & trees | Late June-August |
June Beetle Damage to Plants and Lawns
Garden and Lawn Damage
June Beetles can cause significant damage to gardens and lawns. Adult beetles are known to injure turfgrass, mainly during May and June1. These beetles lay their eggs in June and early July, and the hatched larvae feed on grass and broadleaf weeds1.
Some noticeable signs of June Beetle damage include:
- Brown patches in the lawn
- Thinning grass
- Damaged leaves on garden plants
Tree and Shrub Damage
Tree and shrub damages are also caused by June Beetle larvae1. They can feed on the roots and leaves of trees and shrubs, causing defoliation and weakening the plant’s overall health4.
For example, the Viburnum leaf beetle specifically targets Viburnum plants, causing holey leaves and significant damage3.
Comparison Table: Garden and Lawn Damage vs. Tree and Shrub Damage
| Garden and Lawn Damage | Tree and Shrub Damage | |
|---|---|---|
| Causes | Adult beetles, larvae | Larvae |
| Damage signs | Brown patches, thinning grass, damaged leaves | Defoliation, holey leaves |
| Main period | May and June | June and July |
Methods to Control June Beetles
To mitigate the damage caused by June Beetles, you can:
- Remove beetles manually by shaking them off plants and killing them in soapy water2.
- Use cheesecloth or fine netting to protect high-value plants2.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Low cost
Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Labor-intensive
Natural and Organic Control Methods
Predators and Beneficial Insects
Some predators help control June beetle populations:
- Birds: They eat adult beetles and grubs.
- Toads: They feed on adult beetles.
Introducing beneficial insects can also mitigate these pests. For example, certain nematodes can attack June beetle grubs.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural and organic solution derived from the neem tree. It repels June beetles and can prevent egg-laying.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Non-toxic to beneficial insects
Cons:
- Requires repeated applications
- May not eliminate beetles entirely
Milky Spore
Milky spore is a bacterium that specifically targets June beetle grubs. It causes a disease that kills the grubs, eventually reducing the adult beetle population.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Long-lasting effect
Cons:
- Takes time to show results
- Needs proper application
Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that attack and kill June beetle grubs. Introduction of these nematodes can reduce populations.
Pros:
- Safe for the environment
- Targets multiple pests
Cons:
- Requires specific soil conditions
- Can be affected by pesticides
Comparison Table
| Control Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Predators | Natural, self-sustaining | Limited control |
| Neem Oil | Eco-friendly, non-toxic | Requires repeated applications |
| Milky Spore | Environmentally friendly | Time-consuming, needs proper app |
| Nematodes | Safe, targets multiple pests | Soil conditions, affected by pes |
Trapping and Deterrent Methods
Physical Traps
One way to catch June beetles is by using physical traps. Commercially available beetle traps can be an effective method to control the beetle population. Some examples include:
Remember to:
- Clean traps every 2 days
- Set traps away from your favorite plants
Light Traps
June beetles are attracted to light, especially at night. You can use light traps to lure and catch them. Here’s an example of a simple light trap setup:
- Hang a bright light (e.g. LED, incandescent)
- Place a container with soapy water underneath
Make sure to:
- Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights
- Close doors and windows to prevent beetles from entering your home
Homemade Traps
You can save money by creating a homemade June bug trap. One popular method involves using a jar and a piece of fruit. Here’s how:
- Place a piece of ripe fruit (e.g. banana) inside a jar
- Poke small holes in the lid for beetles to enter
- Seal the jar and leave it out at night
The beetles will be attracted to the fruit and trapped inside the jar.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- May require regular maintenance
- Less effective than commercial traps
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Traps | Effective, low maintenance | May affect non-target insects, costly |
| Light Traps | Attracts beetles at night, easy to setup | Requires electricity, nightly clean-up |
| Homemade Traps | Inexpensive, eco-friendly | Less effective, regular maintenance |
In summary, it’s important to choose the best trapping and deterrent method for your specific situation and preferences. Remember to maintain proper trap hygiene and always follow safety guidelines while handling beetles.
Chemical Treatments
Insecticides
Insecticides are a common method to control June beetle infestations. The best time to apply these is during the larvae stage when they are most vulnerable:
- Example: Products containing carbaryl or imidacloprid can be effective.
Pros:
- Fast acting
- Can target various stages of beetle development
Cons:
- Harmful to beneficial insects
Fertilizers and Pesticides
Incorporating specific fertilizers and pesticides into your soil can help deter June beetles. These products disrupt their feeding patterns:
- Molasses: Amend soil with molasses to make it less hospitable for beetles.
- Example: Apply a pesticidal mix containing nematodes to target larvae.
Pros:
- Improves overall soil health
- Sustainable option
Cons:
- May require multiple applications
Comparison Table:
| Method | Fast Acting | Eco-friendly | Long-lasting Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insecticides | Yes | No | Moderate |
| Fertilizers and Pesticides | No | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Beetle Traps
Commercial beetle traps are effective in capturing adult beetles and reducing their population:
- Example: Traps that use pheromones or light to lure beetles.
Remember to:
- Clean traps every 2 days
- Place them away from your favorite plants
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Non-toxic
Cons:
- May attract more beetles to the area
Tip: Combine chemical treatments with non-chemical methods like hand-picking or netting for better results.
Preventative Measures for June Beetles
Landscape Maintenance
- Regularly mow your lawn
- Water your garden effectively
Proper landscape maintenance helps keep June beetles at bay. For example, regularly mowing your lawn ensures the grass stays at a healthy height, which discourages beetle occupation. Watering your garden effectively, preferably in the morning, prevents excess moisture accumulation, as beetles thrive in moist conditions1.
Reducing Attractive Habitat
- Limit the use of mulch
- Use physical barriers on high valued plants
Creating an environment unwelcoming to June beetles, like limiting the use of mulch around roses and other foliage, can reduce their presence in gardens2. Placing physical barriers, such as cheesecloth or fine netting material, on high valued plants helps protect them from beetle infestations.
Timely Treatment
| Treatment | Spring | Fall | Winter | Underground |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nematodes | x | x | x | |
| Insecticides | x | x | x |
Timely treatment is crucial in controlling June beetle populations. Two treatment options include beneficial nematodes and insecticides, which can be applied during spring and fall seasons3. Both options target underground larvae, preventing them from maturing into adults.
Pros of Nematodes:
- Environmentally friendly
- Targets multiple grub species
Cons of Nematodes:
- Requires proper storage conditions
- Might need a specific nematode species for best results
Pros of Insecticides:
- Effortless application
Cons of Insecticides:
- Potential environmental impact
- May require multiple applications
Footnotes
- May or June Beetle – Integrated Pest Management ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
- Tenlined June Beetle – Washington State University ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- Green June Beetle in the Landscape – NC State Extension Publications ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- Japanese beetle: Tips for your lawn – MSU Extension ↩ ↩2
- What to do about Japanese Beetles | Illinois Extension | UIUC ↩
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Potato Bug?
Location: Northern Nevada
September 5, 2010 8:51 pm
I’m really just out to be sure this is what I think it is. It’s the second time I’ve found this bug. The first time was South Lake Tahoe California and this time, it’s Carson City, Nevada. I think this big hissing fellow is a Potato bug, but I want to know what variety. I know he’s not a Colorado Potato Bug – wrong markings for that guy, but as I can’t remember exactly where I found info on him before, I’m hopeful you’ll be able to tell me in a little better detail just what he is. The picture shows the poor thing in a cup from Target as that’s where he was found – outside Target on my way home from a walk.
Signature: Jennifer Rash
Hi Jennifer,
Though the striped pattern is similar to that of the Colorado Potato Beetle, your beetle is a Ten Lined June Beetle which is a much larger species.Post the picture if you want.
For the longest time, I’ve thought he was a potato bug and when I first looked him up, I found that his alternate name (if he were a potato bug) was “hell insect.”
I appreciate your help as he’s a model for a character in my stories, and would actually like to be accurate when I write about him. From what I’ve turned up on my own now, this one’s a female that eats pretty much pine trees. I’m going to try and keep her alive long enough to get detailed pictures and maybe a sound recording of the noise she makes before releasing her. Can’t say it’s a surprise that she’s partial to those trees, especially in Tahoe where they’re terribly common. This one happened to be close enough to a Home Depot garden center with those trees, so that’s probably what happened with her.
I’ll have to change my character a little, but not too much I think. Here’s the character’s page: http://www.dreamangelsparadise.com/Angels_Paradise/characters/villains/vamp.html if you’re interested. Don’t let the drawing throw you. I really do like insects, just that at first, the alternate name of “hell insect” seemed perfect for the character.
Jennifer Rash
Owner/Webmistress, http://www.dreamangelsparadise.com/Angels_Paradise/index.html
Letter 2 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: beetle with sunflower seeds for wings!
Location: portland OR
July 4, 2013 2:39 pm
was walking out of a shop in North Portland and saw this little guy. think it’s a June bug. your thoughts?
Signature: rob
Dear Rob,
This is a very nice image of a Ten Lined June Beetle, a species found in the western portion of North America. This is our featured Bug of the Month for July, but alas, our scrolling feature bar is not correctly displaying the posts we want to feature and we need to determine why this technical glitch has occurred.
Letter 3 – Ten Lined June Beetle
what is this??
This thing nearly flew right into me! I have found a few in the pool too, he’s about the size of a grape…..can you tell me what they are??
Concord Grape or Champagne Grape??? This is a Ten Lined June Beetle. We received four requests for their identification today, and your photo was the clearest.
Letter 4 – Ten Lined June Beetle
This is a june bug right?
Hi, I live up by Eureka California… We’ve had several of these bugs smack into our sliding glass door at night. (Their wingspan when opened is about the size of my palm) I’m pretty sure it’s a Ten Lined June Beetle.. But the faces of the bugs on your site were a little unclear… I tried to get a decent shot of this one.. It has a face like a bat. Anyway, just thought I’d pass these along. (this beetle died of natural causes… well.. actually, not so natural.. smacking into a glass door is not exactly dying of old age.)
Jackie
Hi Jackie,
Your identification is correct. This is a Ten Lined June Beetle.
Letter 5 – Ten Lined June Beetle
10 Lined June Beetle
July 12, 2010
Here’s a pic of the bug which inspired me to find your website several years ago. It took me this long to see another, attracted by my porch light. Too bad his antennae weren’t opened up in this shot, but he made a neat little hissing noise.
Chuck
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Hi Chuck,
It is nice to hear you are still visiting our site after several years.
Letter 6 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Pacific Northwest backyard visitor
July 17, 2010
Location: Pacific Northwest – North Seattle
Love your site.
Found this guest hanging on my doorjamb when I took the trash out the night before. When disturbed, he hissed. Came out the next morning and he was still there. I browsed your and other sites, but couldn’t come up with anything that quite resembled him. I also can’t seem to find any antennae – perhaps that’s why he’s still hanging around?
What is he?
JohnM
Dear John,
Your beetle is a Ten Lined June Beetle, Polyphylla decemlineata, or a closely related species in the same genus. The antennae of this species are actually quite spectacular, though the individual in your photograph has not unfurled its antennae to their full extent. You can see a nice photo on BugGuide of a Ten Lined June Beetle displaying its antennae.
Letter 7 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Long Haired June Beetle
Location: near Lynden, WA – northwest WA
July 23, 2010 11:44 pm
When we found this bug last night and didn’t know what it was, we came first to your site. Didn’t see any pictures of this, but maybe we missed some?
Seems to be a Long Haired June Beetle.
We’ve never seen this kind of bug in our area before – we live in the NW corner of Washington state. Are they native here? Or is this fellow lost?!
He can really grip with his poky little feet, and makes a hissing sound when he’s agitated.
”Herding Grasshoppers” Mama
Dear “Herding Grasshoppers” Mama,
We are quite intrigued by your signature, and we can’t help but wonder what the “Herding Grasshoppers” refers to. We were also troubled that you were unable to locate any images of other Ten Lined June Beetles, Polyphylla decemlineata, on our website, so we did a little check. Since you identified this as a June Beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, we used our website search feature to hunt for June Beetles. The first page of possibilities included two images of Ten Lined June Beetles. We estimate that there are probably close to fifty images of this species on our site as it is found in most of the Western States and the Northwest portions of Canada as well. The hissing noise you heard is produced by rubbing together of body parts and the sound is known as stridulation, a term that is defined on BugGuide. We are especially fond of your image of this Ten Lined June Beetle taking flight since the photo clearly shows the rigid elytra or wing covers as well as the soft and flexible flight wings that are hidden under the hard elytra when the beetle is not in flight.
Ahhh! Many thanks!
I was searching under the wrong (scientific… or not) name. That’s what I get for looking late at night :b
Isn’t “he” an interesting creature? We were fairly surprised that such a big, heavy bug could fly. We were wondering, further, if it’s okay to release him in western (coastal) Washington, or is he only native to the drier eastern part of our state?
And, btw, the name “Herding Grasshoppers” actually refers to my boys, not to bugs, although they all love bugs and frequently capture, observe, and release them. “Herding Grasshoppers” – or trying to – is what parenting a bunch of energetic boys can often feel like 😀
We love poking around your site and thank you for your gracious (and patient) help,
Julie – “Herding Grasshoppers” Mama
HI again Julie,
One of our coworkers refers to keeping track of students as trying to “herd cats” so we figured the grasshopper reference was similar. Your Ten Lined June Beetle is native to the coast as well as inland, so you are fine releasing it.
Laughing at the ‘herding cats’ – I certainly understand!
Again, from this mom and homeschooler, many thanks for the great resource you’ve created.
Julie
Letter 8 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Hissing Beetle
Location: King County, Washington
August 23, 2010 12:47 pm
Hello,
My husband and I came across this beetle attached to our door jam on the outside. It would not let go & then when we were able to pry it lose it was hissing at us. We moved to a safe location where it sat for 2 days. It did not move 1 inch. This morning it was gone. We could not locate it any where. We have never seen this type of bug in our area (which is south-eastern part of Wahington). Please let us know.
Thank you, Erma Gunter
Hi Erma,
Your large beetle is a Ten Lined June Beetle. Many beetles make the hissing noise you describe, a phenomenon known as stridulation. The noise is made when the beetle or other insect rubs parts of its body together. It is thought to be a defense mechanism.
Thank you for responding back. Now I can put a name to the face. Is this a common beetle in our area? Are there numbers of them?
Sorry……I’m very excited about thus beetle. I have never seen one quit like this before.
Thank you again, Erma.
Hi again Erma,
The species, Polyphylla decemlineata, ranges in the western and central states and it is not rare. Adults feed on leaves including the needles of conifer trees. You can read more on BugGuide.
Letter 9 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Stripped bug from California
Location: Northeast Los Angeles, CA
June 21, 2011 12:51 am
We found this bug in our living room on a blanket. It was rocking forward and back like it was heaving. We caught it in a little pail, which amplified its breathing…it was huffing and puffing. We tossed it outside and took the photos. Noticed later that it left a small dark deposit on the blanket 🙂
Wish we had audio for you too.
Signature: Mary
Dear Mary,
True to its name, the Ten Lined June Beetle arrived right on time.
Letter 10 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Large, striped beetle with feathery antennae
Location: Monument, CO
July 10, 2011 1:04 pm
We found three of these beetles on our deck at night in the pine forest at 7200 ft. Roughly an inch long.
The dog that usually ignores beetles went nuts over them.
I’ve never seen before, especially the feathery antennae.
Signature: Dr. Lazer
Dear Dr. Lazer,
The Ten Lined June Beetle in your photograph is a truly distinctive species. It is found in the Western U.S. and since they are attracted to lights, that might explain why they were drawn to your deck.
Letter 11 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: Ten Lined June Beetle
Location: Redmond, OR
July 6, 2013 2:51 pm
Greetings!
There has been a beetle flying and crawling around my yard for at least a week. I finally got close enough to take pictures, and after stumbling upon your lovely website and seeing the Bug of The Month I knew exactly who he/she is; a Ten Lined June Beetle. I got quite a few pictures and I want to share them with you in honor of the Bug Of The Month, I hope you enjoy them!
With Sincere Regards,
Signature: Karissa O.
Hi Karissa,
Thank you for sending in your image of a Ten Lined June Beetle.
Letter 12 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: Beetle
Location: Monte Vista, Colorado
July 7, 2013 8:54 pm
I live in Monte Vista, Colorado. The beetle comes out more after it rains. It has yellow and gold looking stripes with some thin black lines. It also looks like it has long eyelashes. Very cool! The noise it makes almost sounds like a hiss, and it has a fur like covering underneath it. What is this?
Signature: Lisa Newcomb
Hi Lisa,
This is our featured Bug of the Month this month, a Ten Lined June Beetle, Polyphylla decemlineata. They do “hiss” or stridulate when handled.
Letter 13 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: odd beetle
Location: Los Angeles
June 10, 2014 1:20 am
I live in Los angeles California. I work in Glendale and at night these beetles are always laying around in the light any idea what it is?
Signature: Murphy wilburn
Dear Murphy,
This is a Ten Lined June Beetle, appearing right on schedule. Though they are found in Los Angeles County, most reports we receive are from higher elevations. Our editorial staff frequently encounters Ten Lined June Beetles when we work at night at Art Center in Pasadena, above the Rose Bowl.
Letter 14 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: what is this
Location: southern california
July 8, 2014 12:59 am
what type of beetle is this
Signature: type of bug
Continuing your spirit of brevity: Ten Lined June Beetle.
Letter 15 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: Please identify this beetle
Location: Northern California
July 17, 2014 9:05 am
I viewed this beetle outside my kids daycare this morning. I picked it up and brought it inside and put it in a nice hermit crab aquarium (crab is not there anymore). My thinking is that it would be nice for the kids to look at and learn something about before setting it free. Any response will be relayed to the daycare staff.
Thanks
Signature: Jeff Reynolds
Hi Jeff,
Because of its large size and striking markings, the Ten Lined June Beetle is a common identification request from western states. The Ten Lined June Beetle is capable of stridulation, which is rubbing body parts together to make a squeeking noise, and the beetles will stridulate when handled. You can try feeding this captive Ten Lined June Beetle the fresh needles from conifers (according to Hogue) while it is in captivity.
Letter 16 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: 10 lined beetle
Location: Ventura Ranch, CA
June 7, 2016 6:05 am
Hi! This big guy (or gal) was on the screen of our tent last year when we vacationed at a campground in Ventura Ranch, CA. When I pried it off with a stick, it hissed at me quite loudly but I was so fascinated by its size and (what i took as its) willingness to battle me. My two, young boys were amazed too. We tried asking the campground office staff what it was but they didn’t know. We relocated him to a bush by the office.
Signature: Susan C
Dear Susan,
We don’t know if you actually counted the lines or if you actually researched the identity of this Ten Lined June Beetle, because you never asked for an identification. The squeaking you heard is produced by rubbing body parts together, and it is known as stridulation. Male Ten Lined June Beetles have the exaggerated antennae, and your individual is a male.
Letter 17 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: What kind of beetle
Location: California East Bay Area Foot Hills
August 13, 2016 2:03 pm
Hello. I’ve lived in the same area in the San Francsico Bay Area for 30 years and last night (Warm August night) I found this guy on my screen. When I went around to get another picture he was gone. Any help?
Signature: Ryan G
Dear Ryan,
You can tell by the well developed flabellate or fan-shaped antennae that this Ten Lined June Beetle, Polyphylla decemlineata, is a male. We have been in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Los Angeles for 21 years and last year was the first year we had a Ten Lined June Beetle visit our porch light. This year we have had four sightings, both males and females. Perhaps the California drought is affecting the range of the species.
Letter 18 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: feathery horned beetle
Location: Central Oregon
July 3, 2017 12:28 pm
Found this guy on my deck yesterday. It was about 1 inch long, and had amazing looking feathery horns. Do you have any idea what it is?
Signature: Dave Dozer
Dear Dave,
The fan-shaped or flabellate antennae indicate that this Ten Lined June Beetle is a male.
Letter 19 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: Ten Lined June Beetle
Location: Mount Washington, Los Angeles, California
July 13, 2017 10:08 AM
Though we have been quite familiar with Ten Lined June Beetles in Southern California, prior to 2015, our encounters were limited to higher elevations including Pasadena and La Cañada, but that changed with our first Ten Lined June Beetle sighting at our urban Los Angeles, Mount Washington location. Since that time, they have become a regular summer sighting at our office, much to the amusement of our feline. This male Ten Lined June Beetle began to stridulate quite loudly when the cat threatened from the other side of the screen.
Letter 20 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: This bug thing
Location: Southern California, USA
July 28, 2017 10:53 pm
So I was doing dishes, then I saw my cat playing with this Beatle thing, so I would like to know if I should be concerned or not. It sure looks pretty though! And the climate is about 75 degrees at night and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a bug like this before.
Signature: With a signature
This is an impressive Ten Lined June Beetle, and his fanlike antennae indicate he is a male. Ten Lined June Beetles make an audible squeaking noise known as stridulation when they are disturbed.
Letter 21 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: Help to identify bug
Geographic location of the bug: Pine Valley campground near Belmont NV
Date: 07/01/2018
Time: 08:19 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: While we were camping, these bugs came out at night. They were somewhat slow moving, flew into the lantern and then crawled on the ground. Their sound when flying was somewhat like the sound of a bee. They were a little over an inch long.
Thank you, Gary
Dear Gary,
This is a Ten Lined June Beetle and they are currently active in many western states. Pine Valley is an appropriate location as adults feed at night on the needles of conifers, including pine.
Letter 22 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: Mystery beetle
Geographic location of the bug: Seattle
Date: 07/03/2019
Time: 11:18 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: This beetle has been making itself at home on my porchlight for a few days, ignoring spider nests near it. It’s about 2 inches long. Is it native to the NW?
How you want your letter signed: Shannon
Dear Shannon,
This Ten Lined June Beetle is native to much of western North America.
Letter 23 – Ten LIned June Beetle
Subject: Unknown bug
Geographic location of the bug: Lancaster california
Date: 06/28/2021
Time: 11:14 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: This bug was found in our front yard tonight. Its the same size as a june bug, but i have never seen anything like it.
Lancaster is in the high desert.
How you want your letter signed: Scott
Dear Scott,
This is a “June Bug.” This is one of Daniel’s favorite summer sightings, a Ten Lined June Beetle, Polyphylla decemlineata. Daniel first encountered a Ten Lined June Beetle in the eighties hiking in the Angeles Forest. Then when he began teaching at Art Center in 2002, he would see them attracted to lights at the hillside campus during the summer, but it was not until 2015 that he first encountered one in the Mount Washington offices of What’s That Bug? Since then there are yearly sightings of multiple individuals. Your individual is a female. The male Ten Lined June Beetle has much more According to BugGuide: “Larvae live in soil. Adults are attracted to lights at night.” According to Wiki Bugwood: “Eggs are laid in soil and larvae of the tenlined June beetle feed on plant roots. They have a wide host range and are known to chew on grasses, perennials, trees and shrubs. (On rare occasion they can cause significant damage to roots of woody plants, with pines being most often injured.) In fall, grubs preparing to overwinter move deeply into the soil, returning near the soil surface with returning warm soil temperatures in spring. In the spring of the third season after eggs are laid pupation is completed and the adults emerge. Although the tenlined June beetle causes little plant injury it is an impressively large, well-marked insect that commonly attracts interest. Furthermore, adults when disturbed can produce an impressive defensive display, hissing loudly by forcefully expelling air from their spiracles. This may also be accompanied by male beetles spreading and fanning out their large clubbed antennae. However, the insects are harmless.”
Letter 24 – Ten Lined June Beetle
Subject: Unknown bug
Geographic location of the bug: Orondo Wa
Date: 08/19/2021
Time: 03:24 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: These guys/gals are all over my yard.
How you want your letter signed: Gilbert
Dear Gilbert,
This is a Ten Lined June Beetle, a common summer submission from western states.
You’re the best, Bug Man! Thank you.
caught one of these in Yosemite National Park at Camp 4 in August of 2011
They love Passion Flowers!
We have these in Western Washington!
I just found one in Tacoma, Wa. Are they harmful in any way? Should I leave it out in the yard or???
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.
Here is a link to our standard submission form for Ask What’s That Bug. Please use Washington invasion as your subject line.
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.
They live in your range and they feed on conifers.
A female flew into our house tonight. We’re in Saratoga, CA, about 45min from San Francisco. Poor thing is missing one of her antenna.
One found its way into my apartment and my cats are trying to capture it. Are they toxic to cats?
Thanks!
They are not toxic to cats.
We have this beetle very year in Elk WA, north of Spokane. They like to hang on the screen doors and window screens.
Let me correct my old website links, for anyone interested in the character based on the bug: http://www.dreamangelsparadise.com/characters/villain-allies/jerigel-swampfang/ He’s changed some over the years, but the concept’s remained pretty constant.
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.
oops…that’s barker not barler
As of July 5 2016 a June bug landed on me in LaCenter Washington FYI
I have a basement laundry room and have for years have seen 10 lined beetles. The place is very well sealed, and no light getting out at night. Any ideas about where they’re coming from, how to keep them out, or trap them?
Perhaps they are being attracted to lights. We cannot speculate on any other reason a Ten Lined June Beetle would like your laundry room.
I found one in north western Oregon. How did that happen
They are found along the west coast as far north as the Pacific Northwest.
I found our Junebug inside our back door to the garden 8/14/2017
These very cool and curious little beetles were abundant until about 2005 or so with fewer and fewer every June in Central valley Calif. However I saw 1 this year. In September.
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
😉
Many of our Mount Washington, Los Angeles neighbors have had encounters this year.
We just saw a beetle that looks very much like this one in southern California, San Bernardino county, hanging on the cover over our pond. No pine trees around here, but some in the mountains above us. It didn’t make any sounds when we caught it, though.
Found one (female) on our patio this evening. She’s quite lovely. We’re located 33 mi NE of downtown Los Angeles, up against the San Gabriel Mts. Several pine trees in area.
El Cajon CA (southern CA) I just found one on my doorstep.
I live in Monroe, WA. I was so excited to see this beetle clinging to my newly hung magnet closure “screen door”. It is beautiful. The stripes are so GOLD it looks like jewelry. The white with the black fine lines and the frilly little “Antlers” are a very artistic touch. I’m not normally a “bug God must have had fun making that one…