Species Insects & ArthropodsJapanese Beetle

Japanese Beetle

Popillia japonica

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)

The Japanese Beetle is a highly destructive invasive scarab from Japan introduced to New Jersey around 1916, now established across the eastern United States. Adults are strikingly beautiful — metallic green with copper-brown wing covers and white tufts — but cause enormous damage as they skeletonize hundreds of plant species in summer. Larvae are turfgrass grubs that damage lawns.

Habitat
Gardens, orchards, parks, and agricultural fields
Diet
Larvae: grass roots. Adults: leaves, flowers, and fruit of over 300 plant species
How common
Common

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