Popillia japonica
Table of Contents
Common Name: Japanese Beetle
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Arthropoda |
| Class: Insecta |
| Order: Coleoptera |
| Family: Scarabaeidae |
| Genus: Popillia |
| Species: Popillia japonica |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
The Japanese beetle is 1/2" long. They are metallic copper and green in color, and have white tufts on the sides. Their body is oval, and they have clubbed antennae.
Habitat & Range
The Japanese beetle is native to Asia, and was introduced to the US. It is found in Eastern and Midwestern US, with some sightings further west.
Behavior
These beetles eat plant roots when larvae, and a variety of leaves as adults. They are a common agricultural pest and are known to feed and move in groups.
Life Cycle
The larvae live in the ground, and emerge as adults in mid-summer. Adults will feed off of foliage and mate. Females lay eggs that will emerge to larvae, that will overwinter.
Featured photo by James Dake
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