June bugs, a common name for various scarab beetle species, often from the Phyllophaga genus, are a familiar sight during late spring and early summer evenings. Their clumsy flight and attraction to lights often lead to questions about their sudden appearance and disappearance.
Why June Brings the Bugs
Adult June bugs emerge from the soil primarily in late May and early June, which explains their common name. This synchronized emergence creates a noticeable presence of these beetles during warm evenings. They are stout-bodied, typically half an inch to one inch long, and range from light tan to reddish-brown.
During their brief adult stage, June bugs focus on reproduction. They are nocturnal and strongly attracted to light sources, which is why they are often seen buzzing around porch lights and window screens. This activity is dedicated to finding mates and laying eggs.
The Short Summer Life of Adult June Bugs
After their peak activity in June, adult June bugs complete their life cycle. They have a relatively short lifespan, typically lasting only a few weeks to one or two months. Their main objective during this time is to reproduce.
Once mating occurs, female June bugs burrow into the soil to deposit their eggs. After laying their eggs, the adult beetles naturally perish. This demise after reproduction explains why the visible June bug population vanishes as summer progresses.
The Long Underground Life: June Bug Grubs
While adult June bugs disappear, the species continues underground in its larval stage, known as grubs or white grubs. These C-shaped larvae hatch from eggs laid in the soil and are typically cream-colored with brown heads. They live entirely beneath the surface, feeding voraciously on plant roots, including grasses, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
The larval stage is significantly longer than the adult stage, often lasting one to three years. During this prolonged period, grubs grow through several developmental stages, molting as they get larger. They then enter a pupal stage, also underground, where they transform into adult beetles before emerging in late spring or early summer to begin the cycle anew.
June Bugs in the Ecosystem and Your Yard
June bugs, in both adult and larval forms, play a role in the broader ecosystem. As adults, they serve as a food source for various animals, including birds, bats, and other predators. Their presence contributes to the food web, providing sustenance for wildlife.
However, their activity can impact human environments, particularly lawns and gardens. While adult June bugs may feed on plant foliage, grubs are often a greater concern due to their root-feeding habits. High grub populations can lead to noticeable damage, such as brown patches of dead grass in lawns, as they sever plants from their root systems. This damage can also attract animals like skunks and raccoons, which dig up lawns to feed on the grubs.