Japanese Beetle

insect

Popillia japonica

Metallic green and copper beetle that skeletonizes leaves. Larvae (grubs) damage lawns and roots.

Identification

1/2 inch metallic green beetle with copper wing covers and white hair tufts along abdomen. Larvae are C-shaped white grubs.

Skeletonized leaves (veins remain). Flowers eaten. Grubs eat grass and plant roots. Attract more beetles via pheromones.

Hand-pick into soapy water (morning when sluggish). Neem oil. Milky spore disease for grubs. Beneficial nematodes for soil.

Carbaryl (Sevin). Imidacloprid systemic. Do NOT use pheromone traps (attract more beetles than they catch).

Beneficial nematodes in lawn for grub control. Remove Japanese beetle host plants if severe. Geraniums are toxic trap plants.

Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm