| Scientific name | Popillia japonica |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 10–15 mm (up to about 0.59 in) |
| Colors | Green, Metallic and Brown |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Garden or plants and Lawn or grass |
| Most active | Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The Japanese beetle is a small member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- Metallic green head and thorax with coppery wing covers
- Five tufts of white hair along each side of the abdomen
- Feeds in groups, leaving lace-like skeletonized leaves
About this bug
A metallic green beetle with copper-brown wing covers that skeletonizes the leaves of roses, grapes, linden and hundreds of other plants. Its white grubs feed on grass roots in lawns.
You'll usually find Japanese beetles in gardens and on plants and in lawns and grass. They are most active in summer.
Is it dangerous?
Japanese beetles do not bite or sting people; the harm is to plants and turf.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see Japanese beetles
Japanese Beetles are most active in summer. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: garden or plants and lawn or grass.
About beetles
The Japanese beetle is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
What to do about it
- Hand-pick beetles in the early morning and drop them into soapy water
- Protect prized plants with fine netting during peak flight in early summer
- Treat lawns for grubs in late summer only if grub counts are high
Read the full guide: how to get rid of Japanese beetles.
Bugs that look similar
Size: June Bugs are larger, reaching 25 mm, while Japanese beetles top out around 15 mm.
Color: Japanese Beetles are green, metallic and brown; emerald ash borers are green and metallic.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Japanese beetle look like?
Metallic green head and thorax with coppery wing covers. Adults measure 10–15 mm (up to about 0.59 in).
Does the Japanese beetle bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Japanese beetles do not bite or sting people; the harm is to plants and turf.
Where do Japanese beetles live?
Japanese Beetles live in gardens and on plants and in lawns and grass.
When are Japanese beetles most active?
Mostly in summer.