June bugs and Japanese beetles are similar in what they eat and the damage they can do to grass and plants, but the june bug is nocturnal and the Japanese beetle does most of its feeding during the day.
June Bug Appearance
June bugs get their name from their appearance in the summer in porch lights all over the United States. They have maroon-brown wings and have ventral hair.
June Bugs
June bugs come out at night to feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs. They go to porch lights because they mistake the bright light for the moon or stars and orient to the light until they collide with it.
Japanese Beetles
The Japanese beetle is metallic green with bronze wing covers. The beetle was first noticed in New Jersey in 1916 and has since been seen eating plants throughout the eastern half of the country.
Japanese Beetle Eating Habits
Adult Japanese beetles feed during the day on tender leaves, ripening fruit and flowers. They often cluster in groups of 20 or more so that they can devour things quickly.
Larvae
Both the Japanese beetle and june bug lay their eggs under the surface of lawns and grassy areas. The larvae (grubs) feed on the grass roots until they are forced below the frost line, only to emerge in the summer as adults.
References
- "Home Gardener's Problem Solver"; Denny Schrock; 2004
About the Author
Greg McGuire graduated from Butler University in 2005. McGuire grew up in the Chicagoland area and he enjoys all things sports and talking politics. He currently lives with his wife and twin boys, Cameron and Owen, in Indianapolis. He has been published in "The Daily Sun" in Boone County, Ind., the "Butler Collegian" in Indianapolis, and eHow and Answerbag.
Photo Credits
june bug image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com