Mystery Bug Answers
Mystery Picture #66
| R. Bessin, University of Kentucky Entomology | R. Bessin, University of Kentucky Entomology |
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| Novice | Expert |
Novice
Green June beetles, also called "June Bugs", are very common in Kentucky, especially in June (say, that must be why they're called June Beetles). They start life as fat, c-shaped grubs. Grubs are a type of beetle larvae that live underground and feed on grass roots. Because they like to eat so much grass, they can turn whole lawns brown. After the grubs spend a few months feeding, they turn into pupae. The adult beetles then emerge from the pupae a few weeks later. Adult June beetles cause problems as well, often eating the leaves of decorative trees and shrubs.
Even though they are a pest, Green June Beetles are nevertheless one of our more attractive beetles. Just try not to love them: they're so cute! Since they are nearly an inch long, they are also one of our largest beetles.
The June beetle is a member of the beetle family Scarabeidae. This is one of the largest families of beetles, containing many fascinating species. Learn more about scarab beetles at: http://www.naturalworlds.org/scarabaeidae/index.htm
Expert
Planthoppers are close relatives of several other kinds of "hoppers," including treehoppers, froghoppers, and leafhoppers. They are all members of the insect order Homoptera, a group that also includes the more familiar aphids and cicadas. Like other members of Homoptera, a planthopper's mouth is a long "tube" that is used for sucking plant juices. Although most of the planthoppers in Kentucky are camouflaged, some in other parts of the world have striking colors. Here's a picture of one from Vietnam: http://coombs.anu.edu.au/~vern/fletcher/insect.html