The June Bug is a common name for large, plant-eating beetles, primarily those in the genus Phyllophaga. These insects are a familiar sight during late spring and early summer evenings, and yes, June Bugs do fly. Their appearance above ground is a temporary phase in their life cycle, made noticeable by their size and distinct, clumsy flight pattern.
Yes, They Fly and Why It Sounds So Loud
June bugs possess a pair of membranous hindwings used for flight, protected beneath hardened forewings called elytra. Their flight is heavy and erratic because the beetle’s robust, cylindrical body is not aerodynamically suited for graceful movement. This inefficient wing structure contributes to their characteristic clumsiness, causing them to frequently bump into solid objects like window screens and porch lights.
The loud, low-pitched buzzing sound that announces a June Bug’s presence is a direct result of their flight mechanism. The noise is caused by the rapid, powerful vibration of their wings as they beat to lift the heavy body. This sound is amplified when the nocturnal beetles are attracted to artificial light sources, a phenomenon known as positive phototaxis. This attraction leads to clusters of them flying noisily near human structures, often peaking around dusk.
Understanding Their Seasonal Emergence
The timing of the June Bug’s appearance, which gives the insect its name, is closely tied to its multi-year life cycle. The adult beetles emerge from the soil in late spring and early summer, typically in May and June, leading to the alternate name, May beetles. This adult stage is relatively brief, lasting only a few weeks to months, and its sole purpose is to feed on foliage, mate, and lay eggs.
The majority of the June Bug’s life is spent underground as a larva, known as a white grub. Depending on the species, this larval stage can last from one to three years, during which the grubs feed on plant roots before pupating. The new adult beetles remain dormant in the soil over the winter, emerging only when soil temperatures rise sufficiently in the spring.
Identifying the June Bug and Its Impact
The adult June Bug is a stout-bodied beetle, generally measuring between one-half and one inch in length. They are typically reddish-brown to dark brown, with a hard, shiny shell that protects their wings and internal organs. Adults are herbivores that feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, but the damage they cause to foliage is usually minor and cosmetic.
The most significant impact of the June Bug is inflicted by its larval form, the white grub. These C-shaped grubs live beneath the soil surface, consuming the roots of grasses and other plants. Heavy infestations can cause patches of turf to die, leading to significant lawn damage. This is a far greater economic concern than the nuisance caused by the flying adults.