June bugs are scarab beetles, primarily from the genus Phyllophaga. “Baby June bugs” refers to their larval stage, known as grubs. These grubs are often found in soil.
Understanding the June Bug Life Cycle
June bugs undergo complete metamorphosis, involving four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs in the soil during late spring or early summer. These hatch into white grubs after three to four weeks.
Grubs spend most of their lives underground, feeding and growing. The larval period can last one to three years, or up to four, depending on species and environmental conditions. After development, they transform into a pupa within the soil before emerging as adult beetles.
Identifying June Bug Grubs
June bug grubs have a distinct C-shaped body when at rest. Their bodies are creamy white to grayish-white, often translucent, revealing dark contents from their hindgut. Each grub has a prominent, hardened, reddish-brown head capsule.
Behind the head, June bug grubs have three pairs of short, jointed legs. They vary in size from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, depending on their developmental stage and species. Their bodies are segmented and plump.
How June Bug Grubs Differ from Other Larvae
Distinguishing June bug grubs from other similar larvae, such as Japanese beetles or masked chafers, relies on their raster pattern. The raster is a unique arrangement of hairs and spines on the underside of the grub’s hind end, near the anal opening. For June bug grubs, this pattern typically consists of a Y-shaped or V-shaped anal slit with scattered hairs, or sometimes strong parallel rows.
This Y-shaped or V-shaped anal slit contrasts with the distinct, often zipper-like, parallel rows of hairs found on Japanese beetle grubs, which have a crescent-shaped anal slit. While size can vary, the specific configuration of the raster pattern provides a reliable visual cue for accurate identification among different grub species.
Where June Bug Grubs Live and Their Effects
June bug grubs primarily inhabit the soil, thriving in environments such as lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. They are typically found several inches beneath the surface, where moisture and food sources are readily available. These grubs feed on plant roots, with a particular preference for the fibrous root systems of grasses.
Their feeding activity can lead to noticeable damage, often manifesting as irregular brown or dead patches in lawns. Severely affected areas may show wilting plants, and the turf can often be easily lifted like a carpet due to the destruction of the root system. The presence of grubs can also attract animals like moles, raccoons, and skunks, which dig up lawns in search of these larvae, causing further disruption to the landscape.