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

Ten-lined June Beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Ten-lined June Beetle


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/7
Image Credit: Louise D. Johnson of Courtenay, BC
Full-sized image of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle Thumbnail image of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle
2/7
Image Credit: Susan T.H., taken in Gold Beach, OR
Full-sized image #2 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle Thumbnail image #2 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle
3/7
Image Credit: Roberta B., taken in Sacramento, CA
Full-sized image #3 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle Thumbnail image #3 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle
4/7
Image Credit: Ilona P. from Stayton, OR
Full-sized image #4 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle Thumbnail image #4 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle
5/7
Image Credit: Susan T.H., taken in Gold Beach, OR
Full-sized image #5 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle Thumbnail image #5 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle
6/7
Image Credit: Ilona P. from Stayton, OR
Full-sized image #6 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle Thumbnail image #6 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle
7/7
Image Credit: Jeani R. from WA
Full-sized image #7 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle Thumbnail image #7 of the Ten-Lined-June-Beetle

The well-defined Ten-lined June Beetle is a western native that sticks to its roots and even gets a little hissy when disturbed.



Updated: 07/28/2023; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
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.©InsectIdentification.org


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
Insect antennae icon
Flying insect icon
Hairy insect icon
Striped or banded insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


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

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Polyphylla decemlineata
Other Name(s): Ten-lined June Bug; Watermelon Beetle
Category: Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 20mm to 35mm (0.78" to 1.37")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; white; black; ivory
Descriptors: stripes; lines; antennae; face; hairy; flying

Ten-Lined-June-Beetle Video(s)




A hissing Ten-lined June Beetle, courtesy of Susan T.H..


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 20mm (0.8in) and 35mm (1.4in)
Lo: 20mm
Md: 27.5mm
Hi: 35mm

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 Ten-lined June 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 Ten-lined June 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)