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Home BYGL Turf Tips July 3, 2008 EUPHORIA OVER TURF
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Barb Bloetscher and Dave Shetlar reported observing beetles that look like smaller versions of green June beetles cruising low over the turfgrass near Kottman Hall on the OSU campus on sunny afternoons. The unusual beetles were not pigmy June beetles, but EUPHORIA spp., a scarab related to the bumbling flower beetle.

The beetles are 5/8" long, bronze to green in color, and fairly shiny with a double row of punctures between each striae (ridge) on its back. Although inconspicuous to the casual passer-by, they become apparent if one stands and watches the turfgrass. The beetles fly fairly quickly at 5-6" above the turfgrass canopy. Perhaps more noticeable is the frenzy of birds trying to eat them as the beetles dive into the turfgrass to lay eggs.

Although impressive to see, the beetles do little damage to trees as they feed on flowers and sap leaking from wounds. The rather large grubs feed on thatch high in organic debris and manure. Treatment is not typically recommended.

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Last Updated ( Friday, 04 July 2008 11:46 )
 

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