Buckeye Yard and Garden onLine

Home BYGL Bug Bytes May 15, 2008 BUZZING BUMBLING BEETLES
BUZZING BUMBLING BEETLES PDF Print E-mail
Joe Boggs noted that the familiar "bzzzzzzz...thud!" sound made by MAY/JUNE BEETLES as they clumsily fly around porch lights at night bouncing off walls, doors, windows, startled homeowners, etc., is now being heard in southern and central Ohio. There are five species of beetles in the genus Phyllophaga in Ohio that share the general common name of May or June Beetles. The 1/2-1" long adults are slightly oblong, and reddish-brown to black in color. Their obnoxious evening behavior often causes them to be dismissed as nuisance pests. In most cases, this is true. Although adults of most of these species feed at night on flowers, or tree and shrub foliage, they seldom cause significant damage.

However, large numbers of these beetles occasionally produce noticeable leaf damage, and their nocturnal life-style makes them a deceptive defoliator. In 2000, conspicuous defoliation of oaks and maples caused by these beetles was reported in central Ohio and in some areas of Kentucky. In a few cases, the damage literally occurred overnight. The defoliation involved the removal of all of the leaf tissue with the exception of the main veins. Since the beetles are night feeders, casual observers were left in the dark trying to explain the damage. Although damage may appear severe, the beetles only fly for a few weeks, leaving plenty of time for defoliated trees to produce new leaves.

Larvae of these beetles are white grubs, with feeding habits similar to masked chafer and Japanese beetle grubs, but they prefer pasture grasses. Hence, damage to trees most often occurs near pastures. Likewise, significant May/June beetle grub populations are seldom found beneath older lawns, but are sometimes observed where new homes occupy ground which was recently in pasture. Larvae require anywhere from 1 to 5 years to complete their development, depending upon the species.

For more information, see:

Search PlantFacts.osu.edu

< Prev   Next >
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 May 2008 23:50 )
 

OSU Extension

Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity, or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veterans status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension, TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868.

Website designed by Dr. Tim Rhodus. Direct comments or questions to Webmaster