| Scientific name | Phyllophaga spp. |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 12–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in) |
| Colors | Brown |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Lawn or grass, Garden or plants and Indoors, anywhere |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The June bug is a medium-sized member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- Chunky, shiny reddish-brown to dark brown body
- Clumsy flight toward lights after dark
- Hairy underside and hooked legs that cling to screens
About this bug
A heavy, reddish-brown beetle that crashes into screens and porch lights on late-spring nights. Its C-shaped white grubs live in soil and chew grass roots.
You'll usually find June bugs in lawns and grass, in gardens and on plants and indoors. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
June bugs are harmless to people; they do not bite or sting.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see June bugs
June Bugs are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: lawn or grass, garden or plants and indoors, anywhere.
About beetles
The June bug 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
- Turn off outdoor lights or switch to yellow bulbs during flight season
- Keep lawns healthy and well watered so they tolerate some grubs
- Treat for grubs only where you find about ten or more per square foot
Read the full guide: how to get rid of June bugs.
Bugs that look similar
Size: June Bugs are larger, reaching 25 mm, while Japanese beetles top out around 15 mm.
Size: Ground Beetles are larger, reaching 30 mm, while June bugs top out around 25 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a June bug look like?
Chunky, shiny reddish-brown to dark brown body. Adults measure 12–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in).
Does the June bug bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. June bugs are harmless to people; they do not bite or sting.
Where do June bugs live?
June Bugs live in lawns and grass, in gardens and on plants and indoors.
When are June bugs most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.