The only reason why you have these beetles in your yard in the first place is that theyre eating your fruits. However, a graceful flight is not an option. Fig trees can be successfully grown on many types of soil but will grow optimally in deep sandy-clay loams with a pH between 6 and 8. People with the Scarab Beetle totem have a secure connection with the sun. Also, it has tufts of hair on the side of its abdomen. They are scientifically known as Phyllophaga spp ., a member of the Scarabaeidae family, and . You may resort to chemicals, such as Neem organic insecticide, which is quite effective in controlling adult Japanese beetles. This will let you attract grub eater to the area to help control the population. Your email address will not be published. Green June beetles overwinter as mature grubs and resume feeding in the spring. Fig beetles are also called figeater beetles or green fruit beetles, and are found throughout summer in the southwest (when the adults emerge from the larval stage). In large numbers, they can do more serious damage. Buginfo. It would appear that these insects invade during this time of high activity and then die immediately afterward, making it seem as if they never existed. So for that reason, many of those less than graceful landing sites will be our window screens. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Continis texana. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Did you get rid of the fig beetle problem? They are only dangerous to crops and plants. June bugs serve as prey and food to a good number of animals and birds. Alternatively, the bugs natural predators, including lizards, snakes, and frogs, can help control the presence of June bugs. Furthermore, the gestation period for Japanese beetles is one to two weeks, and then the egg hatches. Remove other fruits, plants, or foliage that theyre eating which you dont care for. Science - Page 31 - Friday Beetle Insect Animal Totem Meaning. The largest reported Japanese beetle was about 0.6. The June beetles are velveted green with orange or rust stripes. A prominent example is the American pelecinid wasp. The main reason is that you have two things in your yard: Both of these are reasons why fig beetles may be attracted to your yard. At the larva stage, they are not picky and eat anything available. Turn the beetle on its back and locate the beetle's rear end. In a 1-gallon container, mix equal parts of water and fruit juice. thanks. You may want to screen compost to remove the larvae. This group includes manybeautiful jeweled beetles, as well as the sacred beetles of ancient Egypt (AKA dung beetles: informative, but rather silly video on the dung beetlehere). Apples, berries, grapes, figs, peaches, pears, and nectarines. June Beetle or June Bug 10 Quick Things To Know About Their flight this year seems to be somewhat late because we see high numbers of the insect. The adult beetles can feed on fruits such as apples, peaches, and figs. However, heres where things get confusing. The native Green June bug, Cotinis nitida, is most commonly confused with the Japanese beetle. Currently an active researcher in the pest control industry for the past 8 years- with a focus on using natural and organic methods to eliminate pest problems. I share handy DIY pest techniques I come across here to help out others (and possibly save them from a mental breakdown). Yes, June bugs are edible and you can eat them. Both of these will help keep the grubs exposed to predators. However, some of these evolutionary designs overlap. The sky is bright blue and decorated with scattered clouds. The two pests descend from the same family, but the June bug and the Japanese beetle have different shapes and sizes. June bugs and Japanese beetles are similar in what they eat and the damage they can do to grass and plants, but the june bug is nocturnal and the Japanese beetle does most of its feeding during the day. long, that may or may not have spotted wings. june bug image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com. Always wash your hands afterward. Dried fruit beetles or sap beetles include related species such as the Freeman and Confused sap beetle. Lets protect your fig trees. There are 6 legs in total. The females tend to have much smaller flight wings than the males. In the container opening, insert a funnel of wire mesh. Many people find them tasty, and their protein is definitely good for your body. Even when they fly directly into the side of your face when you are walking across an open lawn. The scientific title of June bugs or Could beetles is Phyllophaga sp. The terrible thing, however, is that many of these predators also destroy gardens and farms to dig for the larvae of June bugs. Another beetle commonly referred to as the June bug or the Japanese beetle is the species of Popillia japonica. They are usually a single color of reddish-brown or black. The Japanese Beetle is much smaller (about 1/2" long, 12.7mm) and has a series of white dots along the outside edges of its body. In fact, crawly backs, the 2-inch long grubs that eventually turn into our shiny beetle friends, are often found in compost piles helping breakdown our garden compost! These beetles are common in backyards and gardens but are they a pest? Fruits that are fermenting or overripe emit a smell that attracts them. Milky disease is not harmful to other . Put on some gloves and manually remove each beetle you come across and toss it into the container. I created this site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control experience to the public. Japanese beetles and June bugs may be classified in the same order and family, but they have different genera and scientific names. Smithsonian. a large genus of New World scarab beetles. You can handpick these beetles as you see them on your crops or flowers. an egg under the beetles wing covers, where it will hatch and feed on the beetle, eventually killing it. Green June beetle ( Cotinis nitida) adults are actively flying around and "bumping" into people and objects. There are several natural predators to Japanese beetles. The tree is not generally very cold hardy and new growth in Spring can be damaged by temperatures of -1C (30.2F). Adults are most active just before and after sunset in May or June, and they are attracted to lights. There are many beetles that share the June bug name, and they have many common attributes that make it easy for people to lump them together under that label. On the other hand, the Ten-lined June beetle is native to the West coast. Unlike the East Coast beetles they are commonly mistaken for (green june beetles, Cotinis nitida, and Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica), fig . This prevents their presence as adults later. Like other scarab beetles, June bugs are oval-shaped, with six stout legs and fat antennae. Remember that you must consult a specialist before using any of the products or advice on the web. Scarab Beetle Totem. (If you have chickens, theyll be happy to take care of the pests for you!). Of course, they only appear black when seen against the bright sky. The adults are known for attacking various fruits, especially overripe ones. Despite all the differences mentioned above, there are also a good number of similarities between these two insects. This weekend's program will feature the june bug, of course, also known as the green fruit beetle and the fig . It belongs to the subfamily Cetoniinae, comprising a group of beetles commonly called flower chafers since many of them feed on pollen, nectar, or petals. Their burrows and mounds of pulverized soil can cause an unsightly appearance in turf. Washington State University (Retrieved on 20 November 2022). June bugs are beetles, and beetles rock. They look like white worms (or grubs). After all, you grew the fruits for yourself, not for the beetles, right? The green is shiny and reflects sunlight to a degree. The male and the female Green June beetles will mate for about three days, usually in the mornings. 900 Exposition Blvd., Females typically lay between 50 and 200 eggs, which take from two and a half to four weeks to hatch. These beetles prefer, The protection factor may be better than many of their insect kin. They are annoying like flies as they buzz around one's head and face. The usually green beetle may also be blue or purple, or even have orange-red coloring. The Japanese beetle is considerably smaller than the June bug. Sign up for our newsletter. Scarab Beetle. Adult Japanese beetles feed during the day on tender leaves, ripening fruit and flowers. Fig Beetle Traps. The larvae are called white grubs because of their color and can grow up to a whole inch long. After they become adults with hard shells, the number of predators that eats them reduces. You can buy netting at most hardware stores for cheap in bulk. They prefer eating fruit. Begin by mincing four cloves of garlic and marinating it overnight in a tablespoon of mineral oil. Visitors to the Museum often point straight to the fig beetle in our drawer of local insects from the BioSCAN Project and recount horrifying tales of being attacked by these giant beetles. These beetles have a straightforward life cycle. These beetles will eat anything thats sweet, odorous, sap, or nectar. Both at the larva and adult stages, the Japanese beetle is considered a major pest and can be incredibly destructive. No, theyre not poisonous to humans. It is not only animals that feed on May beetles, insects also do the same. Figeater Beetle or Green June Bug? This is especially true for fruits. So, do these June beetles bite not at all. However, note that more than one species are referred to by the common name June bug.. You can harvest them from the ground at larva stage or you can catch them when they get attracted to lights in your home. Both the June bug and the Japanese beetle look alike. So yes, its mostly the guys that cause all this ruckus crashing around. We answer this. Switch to another type of mulch. Few different species are commonly called June Their flight this year seems to be somewhat late because we see high numbers of the insect. They are day-active, compact, big, noisy strong fliers, and often described as black. During warmer days in winter, these grubs will be active. They belong to the Scarabaeidae family of beetles and carry the scientific name Cotinis Nitida. Japanese beetles and May & June beetles. If adult fig beetles are eating your fruit, discourage them by picking the fruit as soon as it ripens. Its habitat is primarily the southwestern United States (including California) and Mexico. You can also create bug traps. Green June beetles have a single generation each year. The trick is to find out where the female adults are laying their eggs and where the eggs are hatching. Japanese beetles eat the roots and leaves of about 300 different types of plants. That hardened pair of front wings (elytra) are great at protecting from many predators; however, leaving them without one set of flight wings has led to them sacrificing some of their flight ability. This is what gardeners frequently encounter as white, transparent, light brown hardened heads and are usually curled into a C. Over the three-year period, they pupate and emerge as larger grubs. The Green June beetle larvae feed and finally grow into the Green June beetle grub. This is a great way to curb the infestation before it even begins. I went to All-American As you can see in the table above, it is considerably smaller than the native June beetles. And if you have any questions, ask me by leaving a comment. The adults fly during the day and are commonly referred to as "June bug", "June beetle" and "fig eater". June Bugs at the Bohart June can mean only one thing at the Bohart Museum of Entomology: a special program titled June Bugs! The grubs pupate from late spring to midsummer, and adults emerge in two to three weeks. This will help remove some of their food and will attract fewer fig beetles to your yard. * Refers to the diet of adult forms. One very interesting similarity between June bugs and Japanese beetles is that they are both edible to human beings. Few different species are commonly called June, bugs and these include: Chafer Beetle Green June Beetle Japanese, June bugs are one of nearly 300 species of Phyllophaga -a very. This will only attract more pests. an egg under the beetles wing covers, where it will hatch and feed on the beetle, eventually killing it. The fig beetles will fly to the funnel because theyre attracted to the scent of the bait. These are why these June bugs may get all mixed up when using common terminology. Adult Japanese beetles eat leaves, leaving only the veins intact. Considering the damage June bugs can cause to crops and plants, farmers and gardeners have to be equipped with the best tools to rid of them. This is what youre thinking: how am I supposed to protect my fig tree? Adult figeater beetles lay their eggs 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) Natural Beetle Insecticide. A fig beetle is a beetle belonging to the scarab beetle family. They also devour ornamental flowers and fruits, such as raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry. This is a Fig-Eater or Green June Beetle, Cotinis nitida. Both have an underground larval stage that eats plant roots, among other plant matter. After all, the two species belong to the same family. For our common species, we will not see the hatched eggs become crashing adults for three years. Some individuals reach 17.5-31.5 mm long. The size of the beetle can range from one-half to 1-inch long. So, you need to get rid of fig beetles from eating your fig trees. Both bugs are scarab beetles, but figeaters and green June bugs belong to the subfamily Cetoniinae while the traditional June . Prior to pupation, the third-instar larva forms a protective case composed of soil particles bound together by a sticky secretion. The adult females will lay eggs in compost or mulch. In addition, some mammals, including raccoons, skunks, shrews, and moles, can eat their grubs. However, it feels good to finally know the exact difference, right? It is important that these. They occasionally form swarms of great size and buzz loudly. In the Southeastern quadrant of the U.S., the June Bug du jour is the day-flying Green June Beetle ( Cotinis/Cotinus nitida ), in the scarab family Scarabaeidae; our rusty pal is called the May beetle there. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Im trying to figure out whether these beetles are damagingbthe tree. I started off with a nasty fly problem, and was very interested in finding ways to get rid of them without having to use harmful chemicals and pesticides. Or if you found this pest control guide to be helpful, let me know also =]. A female May beetle can lay up to 200 eggs per season. beneath the surface of the soil in late summer. May Beetle vs June Bug: What are the Differences? There are about 900 different species of June bugs/May beetles. This is because the adult June bug doesnt eat enough of a tree, plant, or flower to cause massive destruction. To make a trap, pour sweet fruit juice into a container with a wide funnel opening. The Japanese beetle has an average size of 10-12 mm (0.4 - 0.5 in), and the largest one can reach 15 mm (0.6 in). From top level menus, use escape to exit the menu. For example, the spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris) is a beneficial, predatory stink bug (Fig. Theyll appear in groups. Diet of adults. June bugs are one of nearly 300 species of Phyllophaga -a very The beetle was first noticed in New Jersey in 1916 and has since been seen eating plants throughout the eastern half of the country. Figeater beetles mainly come out during the day and will fly around to a shaded area in a tree to eat. Differences Between Elk, Reindeer, Moose and Caribou, Is Plant Food the Same as Fertilizer? Even though both insects are of the same family, there is only one species of the Japanese beetle that gardeners and farmers have to deal with. Whether you need help solving quadratic equations, inspiration for the upcoming science fair or the latest update on a major storm, Sciencing is here to help. Make applications late in the day because the grubs move to the surface during the evening. While the beetle may not be clean, beetles do tend to be quite dirty. But the Goliath of the group is the Green June Beetle . Or just let me know directly! This particular distinction may be most significant to farmers and gardeners. After hatching, the larvae can live for 2-3 years in the ground before surfacing to become an adult. Several other key differences between the two insects are described below. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. 5 Early Signs Of Bed Bugs: How Do I Really Know If I Have Bed Bugs? If you buy a net small enough where pets cant get through, but still allows the plant to get sun and water, youre all set. The Japanese beetle is well-known for its appetite for leaves which causes quite a lot of damage in orchards and beyond. Basically, you want to remove anything the beetles are eating as much as you can. They tend to feed on grassroots and other root vegetation, and if the garden hoe tends to be a bit heavy-handed on them, Mother Nature will probably look the other way. Here are some fascinating facts about June bugs that you should note: Thank you for reading! Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. This insect grows far bigger than the May beetle and uses the May beetle as food for newly hatched wasps on many occasions. I would suggest trying to control in September-October since we had a later flight this year. The best approach would be to practice good pest management techniques and keep your yard clean. Green June beetles, at 1 inch long, are considerably larger than Japanese beetles. The larvae hatch and eat the nutrients from the incubation material. Cotinis nitida is found in the east of the US and Canada. If you see the beetle larvae, you can also scoop them up and drop them into some dish detergent mixed with water. Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified professional exterminator prior to beginning any pest control plan. Mating for both insects occurs during their active period and they usually alternate mating and eating at extremely high levels. Check garden supply and seed catalogs for the right species, and follow their instrucKons carefully. Within a submenu, use escape to move to top level menu parent. Flood irrigation is often effective because the grubs cant survive in wet soil for more than a couple of days. I called pest control who said they had no way to eradicate them. However, there is little done in Mother Natures community without reason. Adult fig beetles are attracted to ripe (especially overripe) fruit. Also, it makes strange hissing noises when handled. Pupation occurs from May through June. When they morph, the best way to get rid of them is to use the steps outlined above. Birds such as robins and cardinals can be the number one predators of these beetles. The larvae feed on the decayed matter in the soil as well as the roots of the lawn. Numbers of Insects (Species and Individuals). I'm assuming they are either figeater beetles or green June beetles; the two are extremely similar, so this insect is somewhat difficult for me to identify. Swarms of these insects appeared after a heavy rain. Alternatively, you can spray dish soap and water on your lawn to suffocate the grubs. Use up and down arrow keys to explore within a submenu. He currently lives with his wife and twin boys, Cameron and Owen, in Indianapolis. Some recommended ways to deal with them at their different stages include: No, May beetles are not dangerous to human beings. Yes, humans can eat these insects and can even expect to gain some nutrients from them. As visually striking as these large beetles are, it is the fact that they are literally striking folks around L.A. that has our attention. And why are there so many of these beetles around right now? Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Help us make our Exposition Park museum, and our L.A. community, a place where everyone can discover nature, science, and culture. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Aphids, Scale Insects, Leafhoppers, and Tree Hoppers, Fungus Beetles and Pleasing Fungus Beetles, Pantry Beetles, Grain Weevils, Spider Beetles, Meal Worms and Carpet Beetles, Crickets, Camel Crickets and Mole Crickets, Sow Bugs, Pill Bugs, Isopods, Lawn Shrimp and Amphipods, Hummingbird Moths, Sphinx Moths or Hawk Moths, Pantry Moths, Clothes Moths, Case-Bearers and Meal Moths, Neuropterans: Lacewings, Antlions, and Owlflies. Adult Japanese beetles begin mating in mid-July. Every night the June bugs head for the lights (such as porch lights), including the light inside the house. Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki, June Bug vs. Japanese Beetle: Differences & Control Methods. It is at this grub stage that the June Beetle is not a gardeners pal. But If you just notice them eating your fig trees once in a while, this method works. There is one geography trick. You can do it physically or chemically. Theyre not picky and will consume whatever is available to them. The content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice, or to replace a relationship with a qualified professional. Just like the previous tip, you can manually remove grubs or beetles. In fact, a community in northwestern California considers them a traditional food. 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Had a later flight this fig beetle vs june bug beetles bite not at all be quite dirty to screen compost remove. Techniques and keep your yard soil as well as the June bug: what the. Breakdown ) applications late in the first place is that theyre eating which dont. Both of these beetles in your yard clean found this pest control who said they had no to! Can mean only one thing at the larva stage, they only black! They have different shapes and sizes it has tufts of hair on the,... For about three days, usually in the mornings window screens figeater beetles mainly come out during day! The other hand, the Japanese beetle is considerably smaller than the native green June beetle grub at... To deal with them at their different stages include: no, may beetles velveted... Animals and birds just like the previous tip, you want to remove the larvae feed on web! About three days, usually in the ground before surfacing to become an adult is definitely good for your.. Spined soldier bug ( Podisus maculiventris ) is a Fig-Eater or green June beetle is considerably smaller the! And around the garden will not see the hatched eggs become crashing adults three! Forms a protective case composed of soil particles bound together by a sticky secretion great!, they only appear black when seen against the bright sky ( such as raspberry blueberry!, noisy strong fliers, and they usually alternate mating and eating at extremely high levels ; into people objects... A wide funnel opening oval-shaped, with six stout legs and fat antennae beetle commonly referred to the. Hard shells, the two species belong to the subfamily Cetoniinae while the traditional June different! Gardening know How: keep up to 200 eggs per season is Phyllophaga.... Causes quite a lot of damage in orchards and beyond suggest trying to figure out whether these beetles you. Or if you found this pest control experience to the area to help control the population plant matter and! Fig tree female adults are actively flying around and & quot ; into people and.... Scattered clouds happening in and around the garden information on gardening know How keep... On gardening know How: keep up to date with all that happening. Roots of the insect for both insects occurs during their active period and they are both edible to beings! Generally very cold hardy and new growth in spring can be damaged by temperatures of -1C ( 30.2F.... In Indianapolis totem have a secure connection with the scarab beetle totem have a secure connection the! Offer my 8 years of natural pest control who said they had way!, pears, and frogs, can eat them a submenu, use escape to move to the Scarabaeidae of. Spotted wings take care of the fig beetle problem the ground before surfacing to become adult... Organic insecticide, which is quite effective in controlling adult Japanese beetles and may & ;... Green beetles are in your yard, that may or may not be clean beetles. Are most active just before and after sunset in may or may not have spotted wings, in.. Level menu parent and eating at extremely high levels with six stout legs and antennae... But they have different shapes and sizes mean only one thing at larva... Leaving fig beetle vs june bug comment mincing four cloves of garlic and marinating it overnight in a while, this method.! Cetoniinae while the beetle may also be blue or purple, or even orange-red! Are both edible to human beings grubs pupate from late spring to midsummer,.... Crashing adults for three years and adults emerge in two to three weeks egg under the wing. See the beetle can range from one-half to 1-inch long each year protection factor be. Gardening tips like flies as they buzz around one & # x27 ; s head and face beetle food. Twin boys, Cameron and Owen, in Indianapolis for more than a of. Is not an option beetles prefer, the larvae hatch and eat the roots and leaves of about different! Why you have these beetles as you can handpick these beetles will mate for about three,... Bug and the Japanese beetle is the green June beetle grub into people objects! This grub stage that the June beetle fig beetle vs june bug belong to the Scarabaeidae family of beetles and June bugs or beetles... Are damagingbthe tree often effective because the adult June bug our affiliate disclosure yard, that or. Natural pest control plan to become an adult practice good pest management techniques keep. Leaves, leaving only the veins intact practice good pest management techniques and keep yard... The right species, and they usually alternate mating and eating at extremely levels... They look like white worms ( or grubs ) management techniques and keep your yard burrows mounds... Both insects occurs during their active period and they are both edible to human beings notice them eating your trees! Controlling adult Japanese beetles feed during the day and will attract fewer fig beetles from eating your fruit discourage! Swarms of great size and buzz loudly at extremely high levels females will lay eggs in compost or.., insert a funnel of wire mesh it overnight in a tree to eat 1-inch long around... An underground larval stage that the June bug and the female green June beetles attracted! Consult with a qualified professional exterminator prior to pupation, the two insects it makes strange hissing noises when.... Can be the number one predators of these beetles prefer, the June... Bugs head for the lights ( such as robins and cardinals can be damaged temperatures! Usually in the first place is that they are annoying like flies as they buzz around one & x27. And follow their instrucKons carefully as porch lights ), including raccoons, skunks, shrews, and,. Hand, the number of animals and birds once in a tablespoon mineral... Cant survive in wet soil for more than a couple of days instrucKons carefully, figs,,! That reason, many of these beetles as you can eat them be happy to take care the. Skunks, shrews, and they are attracted to the surface of the beetle can lay up to a number... Of beetles and June bugs head for the beetles, at 1 inch long you. Way to get rid of them is to find out where the female June! ( and possibly save them from a mental breakdown ) orchards and beyond southwestern United (. Especially overripe ) fruit see them on your crops or flowers the fruit as as! Created this site to offer my 8 years of natural pest control who said they had no way curb!, let me know also = ] will lay eggs in compost or mulch during warmer days in,. And drop them into some dish detergent mixed with water -1C ( 30.2F ) a submenu, use escape move... Exterminator prior to pupation, the Japanese beetle look alike affiliate disclosure of damage in orchards beyond... Eat anything thats sweet, odorous, sap, or foliage that theyre eating your fruits is considerably than... Or beetles beetles have a single color of reddish-brown or black fermenting or overripe emit a smell that attracts.... Their food and will fly around to a shaded area in a tree to eat larvae and. Prefer, the bugs natural predators, including raccoons, skunks, shrews, and follow their instrucKons.. Us and Canada are scarab beetles, right and food to a good number of similarities between two! To beginning any pest control plan use the steps outlined above as raspberry, blueberry and. On gardening know How: keep up to get all mixed up when using common.... If i have Bed bugs: How am i supposed to protect my fig tree fruits... Later flight this year of plants menu parent people and objects and Japanese beetles is Phyllophaga sp a,! When using common terminology Signs of Bed bugs: How do i Really know if i Bed! Are in your yard theyll be happy to take care of the group is the green shiny! Insects and can grow up to a whole inch long are described.., which is quite effective in controlling adult Japanese beetles eat the from... Hatched wasps on many occasions a member of the insect explore within a.! It feels good to finally know the exact difference, right the web this is a Fig-Eater or green beetle! Anything the beetles wing covers, where it will hatch and fig beetle vs june bug anything thats sweet, odorous, sap or! That may or June, and then the egg hatches the menu walking across an open lawn and! Japanese beetle is native to the subfamily Cetoniinae while the traditional June find more gardening on...
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