White-grub
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Amphimallon majale
European chafer
A scarab beetle native to continental Europe, now invasive in temperate North America where it is commonly called a June bug. The large, white larvae (grubs) feed on grass roots and are significant pests of lawns and turfgrass. Adults are short-lived and primarily reproductive. The species has been introduced to Canada and the United States, where it lacks natural population controls.
Anomala binotata (Gyllenhal, 1817)
Shining leaf chafer
Anomala binotata is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as the shining leaf chafers. It is native to North America, primarily occurring east of the Rocky Mountains. The species is recognized as an agricultural pest, with adults feeding on grapes and other fruit crops, while the larval grubs cause minor damage to grain crops including corn, wheat, and oats.
Anomala orientalis
Oriental beetle, OB
A small scarab beetle native to eastern Asia, now established as an invasive pest in the northeastern United States. Adults are 7–11 mm long with mottled metallic brown and black elytra, often confused with the larger Japanese beetle. The species is notable for its subterranean lifestyle—larvae feed on plant roots while adults emerge briefly to feed on flowers and foliage. Sexual communication relies on a specific sex pheromone blend that has been chemically characterized and exploited for monitoring and control. Heavy infestations can damage turfgrass, ornamental plantings, and agricultural crops including sugarcane, maize, and pineapple.
Cotinis nitida
green June beetle, June bug, June beetle, Common Green June Beetle
Cotinis nitida is a native North American scarab beetle in the flower chafer subfamily Cetoniinae. Adults are large, metallic green beetles active during daylight hours, often seen flying loudly in search of ripe or fermenting fruit. The species completes a one-year life cycle, with larvae feeding underground on decaying organic matter and occasionally damaging turfgrass roots through tunneling behavior. Though sometimes mistaken for the invasive Japanese beetle, this species is significantly larger and behaviorally distinct, and is generally considered a minor agricultural pest.
scarab-beetleflower-chafersap-feederfruit-pestturfgrass-pestwhite-grubdiurnalmetallic-greennative-speciesaggregation-pheromonegut-microbiomefermentation-attractionback-crawling-larvaone-year-life-cycleorganic-matter-decomposersoutheastern-US-endemicethanol-trap-attractionmale-clypeal-hornsexual-competitionmisidentification-riskCetoniinaeGymnetiniCotinisColeopteraScarabaeidaeCyclocephala aravaipensis
Cyclocephala aravaipensis is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, first described by Brett Ratcliffe in 1992. It belongs to the masked chafer genus Cyclocephala, a group of beetles whose larvae are commonly known as "white grubs" and are significant pests of turfgrass. The species epithet "aravaipensis" refers to the Aravaipa region in Arizona, indicating its known geographic association. Like other members of its genus, adults are small brown beetles with a distinctive dark facial marking, while larvae are cream-colored, C-shaped grubs that feed on plant roots.
Cyclocephala borealis
Northern Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala borealis is a scarab beetle native to North America and a significant pest of turfgrass and cereal crops. Adults are small, dull yellow-brown beetles with darker facial markings and hairy wing covers. The species has a one-year life cycle with adults emerging in mid-June. Unlike many scarab beetles, adults do not feed; all damage is caused by root-feeding larvae (white grubs). The species is recognized as edible to humans.
Cyclocephala hirta
Western Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala hirta, commonly known as the Western Masked Chafer, is a scarab beetle species native to the southwestern United States. It is one of the most common 'June beetles' in the Los Angeles Basin, often encountered alongside the related Cyclocephala pasadenae. The species is a turfgrass pest whose larval stage causes significant damage to lawns and golf courses by feeding on grass roots.
Cyclocephala longula
Cyclocephala longula is a rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Dynastinae. It is a member of the masked chafer group, characterized by adults with a distinctive dark facial marking. The species is native to western North America, ranging from Canada through the western United States into northern Mexico. Like other Cyclocephala species, the larvae are white grubs that feed on plant roots, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Cyclocephala lurida
Southern Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala lurida, commonly known as the southern masked chafer, is a scarab beetle native to the southeastern United States. Adults are small brown beetles with distinctive black facial markings, measuring 10–14 mm in length. The species is univoltine, with adults active primarily in June and July. While adults do not feed on plants and cause no damage, the subterranean larvae—known as white grubs—are significant turfgrass pests that feed on grass roots and can cause extensive lawn damage under dry conditions.
Cyclocephala parallela
Cyclocephala parallela is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Casey in 1915. It belongs to the genus Cyclocephala, commonly known as masked chafers, whose larvae are significant turfgrass pests. The species occurs in parts of Florida and adjacent southeastern states, where its white grub larvae feed on grass roots.
Cyclocephala pasadenae
Southwestern Masked Chafer, Pasadena Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala pasadenae, commonly known as the southwestern masked chafer or Pasadena masked chafer, is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Native to southwestern North America, it is one of several masked chafer species whose larvae are significant pests of turfgrass. The species is tan or auburn in color, approximately 13 mm in length, with some patterning on the elytra. Along with its congener Cyclocephala hirta, it is locally abundant in the Los Angeles basin.
Cyclocephala robusta
Cyclocephala robusta is a species of masked chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Dynastinae, though unlike many members of this group it lacks the large horns characteristic of the subfamily. The species is native to the south-central and southeastern United States. Like other Cyclocephala species, it likely has a life cycle involving root-feeding larval stages and adult beetles that do not feed on plants.
Listrochelus planeta
Maladera formosae
Asiatic garden beetle
Maladera formosae, the Asiatic garden beetle, is an invasive scarab beetle native to East Asia that was introduced to North America in 1921. It has become a significant agricultural pest, particularly in the Great Lakes region where it damages field corn, soybeans, and commercial mint. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with soil-dwelling larvae that feed on plant roots and nocturnal adults that consume foliage and flowers. Both life stages cause economically important damage, with larvae responsible for early-season crop losses and adults defoliating ornamental and crop plants.
Phyllophaga amplicornis
Phyllophaga amplicornis is a species of May beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Gahan. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga, it is one of over 400 species in North America, making this genus one of the most speciose scarab groups in the region. Species in this genus are commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots, while adults feed on foliage and flowers.
Phyllophaga anxia
Forest-ogre June Beetle, Cranberry White Grub, Common June Beetle
Phyllophaga anxia is a large scarab beetle native to North America, commonly known as the forest-ogre June beetle or cranberry white grub. Adults are nocturnal fliers active primarily in May and June, with males attracted to light during pre-copulatory flights. The species is a significant agricultural pest, with larvae feeding on roots of various host plants and adults feeding on foliage. It serves as host for multiple parasitoids including the American pelecinid wasp Pelecinus polyturator and several mite species.
Phyllophaga balia
Phyllophaga balia is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, one of more than 400 species in the genus Phyllophaga (May beetles) in North America. Like other members of this speciose genus, it is found in North America, with records from the eastern and central United States and Canada. Species-level identification within Phyllophaga is notoriously difficult, often requiring examination of male and female genitalia.
Phyllophaga bipartita
Phyllophaga bipartita is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. It belongs to a large and taxonomically challenging genus with over 400 species in North America. The species was first described by Horn in 1887 under the basionym Lachnosterna bipartita.
Phyllophaga congrua
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga congrua is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, distributed across the central and eastern United States. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, the larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots. The species contributes to soil ecosystem processes through burrowing activity, though this can result in agricultural damage when larval densities are high.
Phyllophaga crinita
Phyllophaga crinita is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, native to Central America. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga (commonly called May beetles or June beetles), its larvae are white grubs that develop in soil. The species was described by Burmeister in 1855.
Phyllophaga dentex
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga dentex is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, one of over 400 species in the genus Phyllophaga found in North America. Like other May beetles, adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. The species occurs in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Larvae develop as white grubs feeding on plant roots underground, while adults feed on foliage and flowers.
Phyllophaga ephilida
Phyllophaga ephilida is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with two recognized subspecies: P. ephilida ephilida and P. ephilida virilis. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga (May beetles), it belongs to a highly speciose group of scarabs whose larvae are root-feeding white grubs.
Phyllophaga forbesi
Phyllophaga forbesi is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Glasgow in 1916. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May or June beetles, which contains numerous species of soil-dwelling scarabs. The species is found in North America, with records from the south-central and southeastern United States.
Phyllophaga georgiana
Phyllophaga georgiana is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Horn in 1885. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, whose larvae are familiar white grubs that feed on plant roots. The species is found in the southeastern United States.
Phyllophaga karlsioei
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga karlsioei is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, one of over 400 species in the genus Phyllophaga found in North America. Like other May beetles, it is likely nocturnal with adults emerging in late spring to early summer. The genus is characterized by larvae that feed on plant roots in soil, earning them the common name 'white grubs.'
Phyllophaga micans
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga micans is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a May beetle or June beetle. Adults measure 15–17 mm in length and are characterized by a dark body with a distinctive pale, dust-like coating. The species is found in eastern and central North America, where adults feed on hardwood trees. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, larvae develop as white grubs in soil, feeding on plant roots.
Phyllophaga nitida
Shining May Beetle
Phyllophaga nitida is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, native to North America. The species is part of the large genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. Larvae are typical white grubs that develop in soil.
Phyllophaga obsoleta vanelleri
Phyllophaga obsoleta vanelleri is a subspecies of May beetle within the scarab genus Phyllophaga. The genus Phyllophaga comprises scarab beetle larvae commonly known as 'white grubs,' which are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. This subspecies is part of a complex of Phyllophaga species that serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps including Pelecinus polyturator and Myzinum species.
Phyllophaga prununculina
Phyllophaga prununculina is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a May beetle or June beetle. It belongs to a large genus of over 400 North American species. Like other members of Phyllophaga, it has a life cycle involving soil-dwelling larval stages that feed on plant roots and above-ground adult stages that feed on foliage. The species is found in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States.
Phyllophaga pusillidens
Phyllophaga pusillidens is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Fall in 1937. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, which contains over 400 species in North America. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal information available regarding its biology, ecology, or distribution beyond basic taxonomic records.
Phyllophaga riviera
Phyllophaga riviera is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Reinhard in 1950. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, which contains over 400 species in North America. The species is known from Texas within the Nearctic region. Like other members of its genus, it likely has a life cycle involving soil-dwelling larvae that feed on plant roots and adults that feed on foliage.
Phyllophaga rubiginosa
Phyllophaga rubiginosa is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by LeConte in 1856. It is native to North America and has been recorded from several U.S. states including Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May or June beetles, this species is part of a large and economically significant group of scarabs whose larvae are known as white grubs.
Phyllophaga subtonsa
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga subtonsa is a species of May beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Like other members of the genus, it is characterized by nocturnal adult activity and larval development as white grubs in soil, feeding on plant roots. The species is found in the eastern and central United States. Adults are attracted to lights and are most active during late spring and early summer. The genus Phyllophaga is one of the most species-rich in North America, with over 400 species, making species-level identification often difficult without examination of genitalia.
Tiphia
Tiphia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Tiphiidae. Species in this genus are specialized ectoparasitoids of scarab beetle larvae (white grubs) that inhabit soil. The genus includes notable biological control agents such as Tiphia vernalis, which was introduced to the United States from Asia in 1925 to manage Japanese beetle populations.