Japanese Beetle

insects · beetles · pests · invasive species

Gorgeous metallic colors. Japanese beetles have brilliant green bodies with coppery-red wing covers that shimmer in the sunlight, making them look like tiny jeweled beetles.

Accidental travelers. These beetles weren't supposed to be in North America, but they likely hitched rides on ships or plants coming from Japan long ago, and now they're everywhere.

Plant munchers. Japanese beetles love eating the leaves of about 300 different plants, including roses, grapes, and birch trees, which makes them a real headache for farmers and gardeners.

Safe back home. In Japan, natural predators keep Japanese beetle numbers under control so they're not considered a pest at all, but in North America they have few enemies.

Leaf-shaped damage. When Japanese beetles feast on leaves, they eat the soft green parts and leave behind a skeleton-like pattern, which is a telltale sign they've been there.