The well-defined Ten-lined June Beetle is a western native that sticks to its roots and even gets a little hissy when disturbed.
Ten-lined June Beetle Videos
A hissing Ten-lined June Beetle, courtesy of Susan T.H.
When counting the white lines on a Ten-lined June Beetle, count the middle line twice because it forms two separate lines once the wings open. The short lines on the sides of the elytra (wing coverings) also count as part of that ten. This Scarab Beetle is larger than others and can grow to almost 5cm, or 2 inches in length. Adults are harmless and do not cause any real trouble, but groups of their larvae can kill a tree, or stunt its growth, by devouring the roots. Often, the damage to the tree is unseen until it dies or falls over. These grubs live underground for 2-3 years, feasting on roots, which gives the tree no time to recover season after season. For this reason, the Ten-lined June Beetle is considered an agricultural pest. Ending an infestation is only possible by removing affected trees and those near them (even if they are healthy). The holes where the removed trees were are treated with an insecticide to prevent the next generation of trees from getting attacked. Covering soil with a phosphate-based insecticide between trees when adults are first seen can also help reduce population numbers. Apple trees and other orchard fruit trees are also food sources.
When mature, female Ten-lined June Beetles release a pheromone into the air that males find irresistible. Males are also attracted to lights and large groups of them can be trapped by luring them with blacklight traps. Fertilized eggs are laid on the soil and larvae burrow down to find food and protection for winter months. Adults are active from middle to late summer. Adults audibly hiss when moved or disturbed.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Scarabaeidae
Genus:Polyphylla
Species:decemlineata
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Polyphylla decemlineata
Other Name(s): Ten-lined June Bug, Watermelon Beetle
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 20mm to 35mm (0.78in to 1.37in)
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, white, black, ivory
