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Beetles (Order Coleoptera)

May Beetle

Size:0.5–1.0 inch long

ID Tips:Stout, unmarked shiny-tan-to-reddish-brown oblong body

Range: Throughout the United States

Also called June bugs, these abundant drab-colored beetles are virtually synonymous with the beginning of summer. Strongly attracted to artificial lights at night, they are clumsy fliers that often awkwardly bang into windows or screens with a droning buzz. Numerous species occur across North America, each with a distinct life cycle that varies in length from one to four years. Female beetles lay their eggs in the soil. The resulting larvae are C-shaped white grubs that feed underground on plant roots or decaying organic material. They are often encountered while digging in flowerbeds or under turf grass. A variety of common suburban animals—from skunks to opossums and moles—all feed on the white grubs, digging through loose or moist earth while they forage. When fully grown, the larvae pupate underground. As their name suggests, the rounded adult beetles begin to emerge the following spring in May and June.

Believe It or Not: In cold climates during the winter, the developing grubs will move deeper underground below the frost line to avoid freezing.

Click Beetle

Size:0.5–1.2 inches long

ID Tips: Brown to black; elongated often dull or unmarked body

Range: Throughout the United States

While often lackluster in appearance, click beetles have an entertaining personality. They are adept actors and readily play dead if disturbed. They accentuate this appearance by tucking their legs and antennae under their body and remaining motionless until danger has passed. Click beetles also have a much more exciting behavior. The beetle has a hinged joint on the thorax that allows it to arch back. Once in this position, it quickly snaps itself straight, causing a loud “click” and propelling the insect up in the air, often several inches high. This sudden leap, along with the accompanying sound, likely serves to effectively startle any would-be predator, including most humans. Adult beetles are nocturnal and are often seen at artificial lights. Their larvae mainly live in soil or rotting stumps where they prey on other insects or feed on plant material.

Believe It or Not: The distinctive clicking behavior can also help a beetle right itself if turned on its back.

Ten-lined June Bug

Size:0.75–1.25 inches long

ID Tips: Brown oval body; vertical white stripes and noticeably clubbed antennae

Range: The western United States

This is a distinctive, stout beetle of the western United States. The large adults are brown with bold white stripes and are commonly attracted to artificial lights at night. They typically go unnoticed during the day, hiding in leaf litter or weedy vegetation. Male beetles have prominent fanlike antennae that they use to detect pheromones produced by females. Mated females lay eggs in the soil. The resulting whitish grubs feed on plant roots and typically take two years to fully develop. They can cause significant damage to various crops, including fruit trees and many other economically important plants. Depending on the geographic location and length of the growing season, it can take several years for the grubs to complete development.

Believe It or Not: The adults make a relatively loud hissing sound when handled or disturbed. This noise presumably startles attacking predators.

Grapevine Beetle

Size:0.8–1.2 inches long

ID Tips: Oval yellow or orange-brown body with black spots and legs

Range: The eastern United States

The grapevine beetle is a member of a diverse group of conspicuous, often quite showy, beetles called shining leaf chafers. Altogether there are about 4,000 species found worldwide. Throughout the eastern United States, the grapevine beetle, or spotted June bug as it is sometimes called, is commonly encountered at artificial lights. The bulky adults have a strong but somewhat clumsy flight and make a noticeable buzzing sound. As their name suggests, they feed on the leaves of grapes and Virginia creeper, two common and widespread plants in and near wooded areas. Their whitish larvae live in the soil and feed on rotting wood.