Image Credit: Elizabeth and Desmond L. from London,ON
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Image Credit: Jack B.
9/15
Image Credit: Jack B.
10/15
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
11/15
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
12/15
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
13/15
Image Credit: Claude D. from Quebec
14/15
Image Credit: Jason D. taken in Palmyra, PA
15/15
Image Credit: Barry T. from Detroit, MI
The invasive Japanese Beetle wreaks havoc on roses, hibiscus and other showy flowers and is incredibly difficult to get rid of.
The Japanese Beetle is a pest not native to the United States, let alone North America. It is believed to have arrived by way of ship from Japan into New Jersey in the early part of the 1900's. Since then, the beetle has made a home in most of the eastern states and occasionally pops up in other states from time to time.
The beetle is commonly identified by its very unique coloring. Appearing as an emerald dark green to black, the brown on the top of the insect give its identity away. This area of the body is also distinct in that it contains noticeable grooves running the length. Also identifiable are small tufts of white hair that seem to stick out from its abdomen.
Japanese Beetles are known for their destructive powers when eating off of cultivated or wild plants, trees, shrubbery and even vegetables and flowers. In particular, they are a pesky nuisance against most every plant type. Even in larvae form, the Japanese Beetle attacks the root of grass surfaces.
Due to this destructive life cycle to native North American flora, elimination of this insect is a common chore for farmers and gardeners.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Scarabaeidae
Genus:Popillia
Species:japonica
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Popillia japonica
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 8mm to 12mm (0.31in to 0.47in)
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: green, brown, red, white, copper, black
