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Fact Sheets: Commonly Observed and Asked About Insects and Spiders Found in Alberta

June Beetle (Phyllophaga sp.)

June Beetle
June Beetle
Credit: Terry Thormin
June Beetle larva
June Beetle larva
Credit: Terry Thormin

INTRODUCTION

Also known as May Beetles and June Bugs, these beetles often turn up at lights from mid-May to early July. There are well over 200 species in North America, but only four species are known to occur in Alberta. Identification of June Beetles to the species level even for those four species requires examining genitalia. .

IDENTIFICATION

In Alberta June Beetles in this genus are all about 15 to 20 mm long and rather dull brown in colour. They are also rather robust beetles. The larvae are large white grubs that usually darken near the back end and are found in the soil.

DISTRIBUTION

Found throughout most of North America. Only one species is known to reach as far north the Territories. Found throughout Alberta.

TIME OF YEAR

Adults are present from mid-May to early July. Because the larvae take up to three years to develop, they are present in the soil all year round. They can sometimes be found on the surface in sandy areas during the summer months.

HABITAT AND HABITS

Grubs feed on the roots of grasses and some crops, and are usually found in the soil of agricultural and weedy areas. The adults feed at night on the foliage of various trees and bushes. Because adults are so strongly attracted to lights, they often turn up in numbers at streetlights and porch lights. They may be easy to spot along trails in sandy areas during the day, when they are often very lethargic.

SIMILAR SPECIES

The four species of Phyllophaga found in Alberta are very hard to separate. Another species of June Beetle, found in the prairies of Alberta, is the Ten-lined June Beetle, Polyphylla decemlineata, which gets up to 25 mm long and is distinctively marked with alternating, bold, white or cream and greenish-gray lines.

COMMENTS

June Beetles are not dangerous to humans as they do not bite. They can, however, both as adults and in the larval stage, become numerous enough to be, at times, serious pests. Most of the phone calls we get are about specimens that have been found at lights. People do at times get confused between June Beetles and either Predacious Diving Beetles or Giant Water Bugs. You might want to look at the pages on both of these species to see the differences.

Note: We cannot provide advice on controlling insect pests. If you need more information beyond what has been provided here, we suggest you either search further on the web, or talk to a local exterminator.
 


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 Last update: August 19 2004