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Image Credit: TL D. from FL
A reasonable beetle, the Grapevine Beetle does not devour the grapevines it feeds on, much to the relief of everyone that enjoys viticulture.
A Grapevine Beetle is part of the Scarab beetle family, so it shares a similar body shape to June Beetles and Japanese Beetles. The Grapevine Beetle may be a tan color or a darker shade of brown, with brown or black legs depending on the region. Legs are thick and have some serration and hairs on them. A distinguishing feature for identifying this species lies on its elytra. Each wing covering (elytron) has three black dots near the outer edge. The thorax also has a black dot on each side, keeping in line with those on the elytra. The area where the thorax and the top center of the abdomen meet has a black or brown semicircle. The black eyes side are on either side of the head, which may be tan or a darker shade of brown.
Despite their appetite for grapevine foliage, Grapevine Beetles do not have a serious impact on the plant's health or growth. Eggs are laid on rotting logs or tree stumps of deciduous trees. Larvae feed on the roots and other parts of these trees until they move to the soil to pupate. After one to two years, adults emerge in the spring and are active all spring and summer. Look for them on flowers and leaves of grapevines, or in hardwood forests on fallen trees and logs where they go to reproduce.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Scarabaeidae
Genus:Pelidnota
Species:punctata
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Pelidnota punctata
Other Name(s): Spotted June Beetle
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 17mm to 27mm (0.66in to 1.05in)
Colors: brown, black
Descriptors: six spot, eight dots, clingy, flying, junebug
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
3
Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
5
Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
6
Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
7
Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: brown, black
