June Beetle

June Beetle,Cotinus nitida (Linnaeus) a group containing dung beetles. This beetle is found in the eastern region of the united states NY, NJ, Connecticut.

June beetles are ¾ to 1 inch long. The adult’s upper body is velvety green to dull brown with lengthwise stripes of green with yellow-orange margins on the hardened front wing. The underside of the body is shiny metallic green or gold. Adults also have a distinct, small, flat horn on the head . Green June beetle grubs are 1½ inches long with a white stubby body and short legs. The grubs have an unusual habit of crawling on their backs rather than relying on their small legs, which are extended upward as they move across surfaces. Ridges located on the upper surface of the grub’s body are covered with short, stiff hairs that assist them in moving on the surface of the grass.

June Beetle Mouthparts are for chewing. Phyllophaga crinita is common in Texas turfgrass, particularly Bermudagrass, St. Augustine grass and tall fescue. Feeding of large numbers of grubs causes lawns to turn yellow and die. Severely damaged grass can be “rolled up” like a carpet. Grubs also feed on the roots of weeds, vegetable transplants and ornamental plants. In agriculture, they are important pests of forage, corn, sorghum and sugarcane. Most severe injury to plants is caused by large (third stage or instar) grubs feeding on roots in the fall and spring.

Life Cycle: June Beetle larval period can last 2 to 4 years in the Northwest, depending on the site and the length of the growing season. Most older grubs are found in the top foot of the soil, where they feed on woody roots, while younger grubs live deeper in the soil and eat the finer and more tender roots. Most of the damage to the tree is done by the older grubs. The grubs begin to pupate in May and June in pupal cells a few inches below the soil surface.

June Beetle Adult activity begins in June or July and continues until fall. The adult bores an emergence hole from the pupal cell to the soil surface but may not emerge immediately. Adults stay under cover during the day, hiding in weeds or grass in the orchard. They make a peculiar wheezy, hissing noise when disturbed. They become active around dusk and are active longer on warm nights. They mate at or near the female’s emergence hole, and she often lays eggs in the same hole. Dispersal of females may be very limited

June Beetle Females lay 60 to 70 eggs in the soil. The eggs hatch in about 3 to 4 weeks. Young larvae feed on decaying vegetable matter or fine roots. They take 3 to 4 years to develop fully. In cold-winter climates, larvae may move deeper in the soil to avoid frost and move closer to the surface again in the spring to continue feeding

Damage: Grubs feed on the roots of the grass and heavy infestations will loosen the sod so that it can be rolled back. The damage will appear as irregular patches of yellowed or dead grass. June beetle grubs feed on grass roots for three years before becoming adults. The first year grubs grow up to 13 mm long and produce little damage. The second year, they are 20 mm long, and damage becomes more apparent.This second year is the best time to control grubs since damage usually is not extensive, and an insecticide will be effective. Control for grubs is desirable when there are more than 4 grubs/sq. ft. The third year, the grubs grow to 25 mm long and damage becomes very apparent, particularly in July and August.

Control: Scout pastures and hayfields for green June beetle grubs in late summer and early fall. Scouting is particularly important if you are planting winter annual forage seeds. By late August, most green June beetle grubs will have hatched from their eggs. Check fields for signs of infestation, such as trails of pulverized soil and bare patches. If large numbers of green June beetle adults were observed in certain parts of a field, start by checking those areas first. Pay close attention to edges of terraces, sunny slopes, slopes down from barns, and cattle feeding sites.

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