The emergence of June bugs during warmer months often sparks curiosity about their nature. Many people wonder if these buzzing insects are indeed a type of beetle or something entirely different. This article aims to clarify the biological identity of June bugs, exploring their classification and characteristic behaviors.
Understanding Beetles
Beetles represent the largest order of insects, known scientifically as Coleoptera, encompassing nearly 400,000 described species globally. A defining characteristic of adult beetles is their hardened forewings, called elytra, which serve as protective covers for the delicate hindwings used for flight. When at rest, these elytra typically meet in a straight line down the beetle’s back. Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis. This diverse group exhibits a wide range of sizes, habitats, and feeding behaviors, from plant-eaters to predators.
The June Bug’s Identity
June bugs, also commonly called May beetles, are indeed a type of beetle. They belong to the Scarabaeidae family, primarily within the genus Phyllophaga. Over 300 Phyllophaga species exist in North America, with more than 800 June bug species known globally. These beetles typically range from 0.5 to 1 inch in length, possessing robust, oval bodies that vary from reddish-brown to dark brown, sometimes with a metallic or iridescent sheen, and are characterized by their clubbed antennae, which have segments that can fan open. They are nocturnal insects, often attracted to light sources during warm summer evenings, where their clumsy flight patterns can lead them to collide with windows or screens.
June Bug Life Cycle and Habits
The life cycle of a June bug involves complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female June bugs lay their eggs in the soil during late spring or early summer. These eggs hatch into larvae known as white grubs, which are C-shaped with pale bodies and brownish heads. The grubs live underground, feeding on plant roots, including those of grasses and crops, which can sometimes damage lawns and agricultural fields. The larval stage can last from one to several years, with grubs molting multiple times as they grow.
After the larval stage, grubs transform into pupae underground, a stage lasting several weeks or months as the beetle develops its adult form. Adult June bugs emerge from the soil in late May or early June, which gives them their common name. They have a relatively short adult lifespan, primarily focused on reproduction. Adult June bugs are herbivores, feeding on the foliage of trees and shrubs, although they rarely cause significant harm unless present in large numbers. Their buzzing sound in flight and strong attraction to outdoor lights are common behaviors during their adult phase.