June bugs, also known as May beetles, are common insects recognized for their characteristic buzzing flights during warmer evenings. These nocturnal beetles emerge in late spring and early summer, earning their common name. They are reddish-brown and measure about half an inch to one inch in length, with a robust, oval-shaped body. Attracted to lights, their clumsy flight patterns are noticeable, marking a distinct seasonal shift.
Adult Feeding Habits
Adult June bugs are primarily herbivorous, consuming various plant parts above ground. Their diet largely consists of leaves from trees and shrubs, including oak, elm, maple, walnut, apple, and peach.
Beyond leaves, adult June bugs consume flower petals, fruits, and small grains like roses, grapes, peaches, and strawberries. While their feeding creates ragged holes and some defoliation, the damage inflicted by adult June bugs is considered cosmetic and rarely fatal to mature plants.
Larval Feeding Habits
The larval stage of the June bug, known as white grubs, has distinct feeding habits that prove more destructive. These C-shaped larvae reside underground, feeding on plant roots. Their primary food source is the fibrous root systems of grasses, making lawns particularly vulnerable.
White grubs also consume roots of various garden plants, including vegetable seedlings, potatoes, and carrots. They may also feed on decaying organic material within the soil. Grubs grow significantly during this stage, which can last from one to three years.
Consequences of Their Diet
The feeding habits of both adult June bugs and their larvae impact human environments. Adult beetles chew holes in plant leaves, particularly on trees and shrubs, which can result in defoliation. While this damage can be significant for young or newly planted vegetation, it seldom causes the demise of established plants.
The most substantial consequences stem from the feeding of June bug larvae. As white grubs consume plant roots, especially grass roots, they disrupt the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. This manifests as brown, dead patches in lawns, which may feel spongy underfoot. In severe infestations, affected turf can be easily lifted, indicating severed roots. The presence of grubs also attracts animals like moles, raccoons, and birds, which dig into lawns and gardens to forage for larvae, causing additional surface damage.