The common insect known as the “June bug” often sparks curiosity due to its name. These beetles are a familiar sight during warmer months, frequently buzzing around lights in the evening. This article explores the reasons behind both the “June” and “bug” parts of their common name.
Identifying the June Bug
June bugs are a group of beetles, primarily belonging to the genus Phyllophaga, within the family Scarabaeidae. They possess robust, oval-shaped bodies and typically measure between 0.5 to 1 inch long. Their coloration ranges from reddish-brown to dark brown, and they feature shiny wing covers, known as elytra.
These beetles are known for their somewhat clumsy flight patterns, often bumping into windows or other objects, and are strongly attracted to light sources after dusk. While adult June bugs consume foliage and flowers, their larval stage, called white grubs, lives underground and feeds on plant roots, which can damage lawns and crops.
The “June” in June Bug
The “June” in June bug refers to the period when these insects are most commonly observed as adults. Their life cycle begins with eggs laid in the soil by female beetles. These eggs hatch into C-shaped larvae, known as white grubs, which spend a significant amount of time, typically one to three years, underground. During this larval stage, the grubs feed on the roots of various plants.
After developing through several larval stages, the grubs pupate in the soil. The adult beetles then emerge from the ground in late spring and early summer. Their peak activity and most noticeable presence occur during June in many temperate regions. This predictable seasonal emergence is the reason for their common designation as “June bugs.”
The “Bug” Misnomer
Scientifically, the term “bug” specifically refers to insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, often called “true bugs.” These true bugs are characterized by specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts, which they use to feed on plant fluids or, sometimes, the bodily fluids of other insects or animals. Examples of true bugs include stink bugs, cicadas, and aphids.
June bugs, however, are not true bugs; they are beetles, classified under the order Coleoptera. Beetles are distinguished by their hardened forewings, called elytra, which protect a pair of membranous hind wings used for flight. Unlike true bugs, beetles possess chewing mouthparts. The common use of “bug” as a general term for any insect led to this misnomer, despite their distinct biological classification.