Green June Beetle

Systematic position: The Green June Beetle (Cotinis texana) is a member of the order Coleoptera and the family Scarabaeidae. This species is commonly referred to in the context of agricultural damage in the southwestern United States, where it functions as a prominent defoliator and fruit pest during the height of the summer season.

Biology and life cycle: The insect undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid in moist, organic-rich soil or decaying organic matter. The larvae are C-shaped, white grubs that feed primarily on organic detritus beneath the soil surface. Adults are highly active fliers that emerge in mid-to-late summer, exhibiting distinct buzzing sounds while navigating toward ripening fruit sources.

• Stone fruits (peaches, nectarines, apricots).
• Grapes and berries (figs, blackberries).
• Various ornamental plants and bushes.
• Ripening vegetables and fermented fruit crops.

Nature of damage and economic impact: Adult beetles cause significant damage by feeding directly on the surface and interior of healthy fruits. They possess robust mandibles that easily penetrate thin skins. Their gregarious feeding behavior often results in clusters of beetles destroying entire fruit crops within days. Furthermore, their presence introduces pathogens that induce rapid fruit rot, rendering remaining produce unmarketable.

Control measures: Management strategies emphasize cultural control as the primary defense. Removing overripe and fallen fruit is critical to eliminate feeding sites. Homeowners and farmers can utilize light traps to capture adults, while chemical control involves targeted application of insecticides during peak emergence periods. Providing well-drained soil and minimizing the use of organic mulch near sensitive trees can also help deter egg-laying.