June bugs, also known as June beetles or May beetles, are a group of scarab beetles in the genus Phyllophaga, with nearly 300 species commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere.
June Bugs
Overview of June Bugs
They are most recognizable for their appearance in late spring and early summer, which is how they got their name—adults typically emerge from the soil in May or June.
Identification and Appearance
Adult June bugs are heavy-bodied beetles, measuring 12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 inch) in length.
Their coloration ranges from reddish-brown to nearly black, and some species, like the green June beetle, are metallic green.
They have shiny wing covers (elytra) and are clumsy fliers, often seen buzzing around lights at night.
The larvae, known as white grubs, are C-shaped, white with brown heads, and can be up to 1 inch long.
Books about Beetles
Entomologycal Books
Unique pictorial atlases for identifying Beetles:
(2020) Tiger Beetles of the World, Cicindelidae, Illustrated guide to the genera
(2023) Tiger Beetles of Africa, Cicindelidae, Geographical guide to the family Cicindelidae
(2024) Tiger Beetles of Orient, Cicindelidae, Geographical guide to the family Cicindelidae
(2022) Ground Beetles of Africa, Afrotropical Region
(2022) Jewel Beetles of the World, Buprestidae, Illustrated guide to the Superfamily Buprestoidea
(2008) The Prionids of the World, Prioninae, Illustrated catalogue of the Beetles
(2010) The Prionids of the Neotropical region, Prioninae, Illustrated catalogue of the Beetles
Life Cycle
The June bug’s life cycle typically spans three years:
Egg: Females lay 50–200 eggs in the soil.
Larva (Grub): After hatching, the larvae live underground, feeding on plant roots for up to three years, which is when they cause the most damage to lawns and crops.
Pupa: Larvae pupate in the soil, transforming into adults.
Adult: Adults emerge in late spring or early summer to feed, mate, and lay eggs, living less than a year above ground.
Behavior and Habitat
June bugs are nocturnal, feeding on foliage and flowers at night and attracted to lights.
They are commonly found throughout North and South America, especially in temperate regions.
During the day, adults burrow into the soil, and larvae remain underground for most of their lives.
Impact on Gardens and Lawns
Larvae: The most significant damage is caused by the larvae, which feed on the roots of grasses, vegetables, and ornamental plants, leading to brown patches and weakened lawns.
Adults: Adult beetles feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs but rarely cause serious damage.
Signs of infestation include uneven patches of dead grass, birds or mammals digging for grubs, and small holes in plant leaves.
Ecological Role and Natural Predators
June bug larvae serve as food for birds, moles, skunks, raccoons, and are considered excellent fish bait.
Natural enemies include the waved light fly (Pyrgota undata), which lays eggs on adult beetles, and various mammals that dig for grubs.
Control and Prevention
June Bugs
Cultural practices: Maintain healthy, well-watered lawns to reduce grub damage.
Biological controls: Use biopesticides containing nematodes or Beauveria fungal spores to target larvae.
Chemical controls: Apply insecticides only when necessary and after proper identification, as broad-spectrum chemicals can harm beneficial insects.
Prevention: Keep outdoor lights off during peak emergence to reduce attraction, and avoid planting new lawns where pastures previously existed.
Are June Bugs Dangerous?
June bugs do not bite or sting and are not harmful to humans or pets. Their primary nuisance is the damage their larvae cause to lawns and crops. June Bugs.
In summary, June bugs are common beetles that emerge in late spring, are harmless to people, but can be a significant pest to lawns and gardens due to their root-feeding larvae.