June bugs, also known as May beetles in some regions, are common nocturnal insects often seen buzzing around lights during warm evenings. A frequent question arises regarding their habitat: do June bugs live in the ground? For a substantial part of their existence, particularly during their developmental stages, these insects indeed reside beneath the soil surface. This subterranean period is a defining characteristic of their life cycle, influencing their behavior and interactions with the environment.
The June Bug Life Cycle
June bugs undergo a complete metamorphosis, transitioning through four distinct stages. The life cycle begins when female June bugs lay their eggs in the soil, typically during late spring or early summer. These eggs are often deposited near plants or in areas rich in organic matter, hatching into larvae within approximately two to four weeks.
The larval stage, commonly referred to as white grubs, represents the longest period of their life cycle. Grubs remain entirely underground, developing for one to three years, sometimes up to four years, depending on species and environmental conditions. Following this larval phase, grubs transition into the pupal stage, remaining buried in the soil within protective chambers. This period typically lasts about three weeks, as they transform into adult beetles. Adult June bugs then emerge from the ground in late spring or early summer, often coinciding with the months of May or June.
Life Underground: Grubs and Their Habits
Grubs inhabit lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. These grubs are distinctly C-shaped, with creamy white bodies, brownish-red heads, and three pairs of legs located near their heads. They can grow quite large, typically measuring from three-quarters of an inch to two inches in length. In colder months, these larvae burrow deeper into the soil to avoid freezing temperatures, seeking refuge from the winter conditions.
Grubs feed on plant roots, with a particular preference for grass roots, as well as decaying organic matter found in the soil. Their feeding activities can cause considerable damage to lawns, resulting in irregular brown patches of dead or dying grass that may feel spongy and can be easily lifted from the soil surface. This root damage impedes the plants’ ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to their decline. Beyond lawns, grubs can also harm vegetables, ornamental plants, and various crops. The presence of grubs can also attract animals such as moles, skunks, and raccoons, which dig up affected areas in search of this food source.
Above Ground: Adult June Bugs
Once their subterranean development is complete, adult June bugs emerge from the soil, typically during the late spring and early summer months. These beetles are stout-bodied, measuring between one-half and one inch in length, and are characterized by their reddish-brown coloration and shiny wing covers. Some species may also exhibit a metallic green sheen.
Adult June bugs are primarily nocturnal, becoming active after dusk and showing a strong attraction to artificial light sources. They are often observed clumsily bumping into windows, porch lights, and other illuminated objects. During daylight hours, adult June bugs may burrow back into the soil, seeking shelter until nightfall. While they do feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs, including oak, maple, and various fruit trees, the damage caused by adult June bugs is generally less significant than that inflicted by their grub counterparts. The main purpose of the adult stage is reproduction, and their lifespan above ground is relatively short, usually lasting from a few weeks to a couple of months.