×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Japanese Beetle


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/15
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image of the Japanese-Beetle
2/15
Image Credit: Andy M
Full-sized image #2 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #2 of the Japanese-Beetle
3/15
Image Credit: Barry T. from Detroit, MI
Full-sized image #3 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #3 of the Japanese-Beetle
4/15
Image Credit: Sarah T.
Full-sized image #4 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #4 of the Japanese-Beetle
5/15
Image Credit: Benjamin M. from Nevada, IA
Full-sized image #5 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #5 of the Japanese-Beetle
6/15
Image Credit: Jack B.
Full-sized image #6 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #6 of the Japanese-Beetle
7/15
Image Credit: Troy D. taken in ME
Full-sized image #7 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #7 of the Japanese-Beetle
8/15
Image Credit: Jason D. taken in Palmyra, PA
Full-sized image #8 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #8 of the Japanese-Beetle
9/15
Image Credit: Claude D. from Quebec
Full-sized image #9 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #9 of the Japanese-Beetle
10/15
Image Credit: Jack B.
Full-sized image #10 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #10 of the Japanese-Beetle
11/15
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Full-sized image #11 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #11 of the Japanese-Beetle
12/15
Image Credit: Lorraine P.
Full-sized image #12 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #12 of the Japanese-Beetle
13/15
Image Credit: Jack B.
Full-sized image #13 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #13 of the Japanese-Beetle
14/15
Image Credit: Jack B.
Full-sized image #14 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #14 of the Japanese-Beetle
15/15
Image Credit: Elizabeth and Desmond L. from London,ON
Full-sized image #15 of the Japanese-Beetle Thumbnail image #15 of the Japanese-Beetle

The vexatious and tenacious Japanese Beetle wreaks havoc on roses, hibiscus, and other showy flowers.



Updated: 01/04/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
The Japanese Beetle is a notorious pest that is not native to North America. It is believed to have arrived via shipping transport 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 continent and has been moving through Europe as well.

The beetle is commonly identified by its very unique, two-tone coloring. The upper half of the insect is an emerald green; the lower half is a copper brown. The entire Japanese Beetle has a metallic sheen on it. Noticeable grooves or ridges run the length of the coppery elytra (wing coverings). Also helpful identifiers are the small tufts of white hair that stick out from the sides of its abdomen.

Japanese Beetles are known for their destructive powers thanks to their diet. Adults feed off of most any type of cultivated and wild plants. Prized blossoms like roses, hibiscus, and daisies are chewed into and left rotting under smears of beetle feces. Leaves are chewed into, leaving behind a skeleton of veins. Even as a larva, the Japanese Beetle will attack the roots of grass and other turf plants. The white grubs hide just under the soil's surface and pupate underground.

Due to their destructive life cycle to native North American flora, elimination of this insect is a common chore for farmers and gardeners. Traps have been created using their own pheromone to lure them. Placed near plants, however, one may actually end up attracting more than the traps can kill. Insecticide use is complicated because chemicals that kill the beetle also kill good pollinators needed to create blooms in the first place. This insect has become the bane of many growers instead of a jewel to be admired.©InsectIdentification.org




Known Diet of the Japanese-Beetle



shrubs; trees; foliage; flowers; vegetables
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Garden pest insect icon
Hairy insect icon
Pest insect icon
Shiny insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Coleoptera
        Family: Scarabaeidae
View More
          Genus: Popillia
View More
            Species: japonica

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Popillia japonica
Category: Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 8mm to 12mm (0.31" to 0.47")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: green; brown; red; white; copper; black
Descriptors: metallic; green; hairy; fuzz; flying; garden pest

Japanese-Beetle Video(s)




Taking a stroll.


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 8mm (0.3in) and 12mm (0.5in)
Lo: 8mm
Md: 10mm
Hi: 12mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Japanese Beetle may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Japanese Beetle. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)