Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Beetles, bugs, ants, and other insects without obvious wings - 1/4 inch - 1/2 inch long > False Japanese beetle

False Japanese beetle

Strigoderma arboricola

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: 3/8 - 7/16 inch long.
Head and prothorax are dull, metallic green; wing covers are a dull copper brown (they can appear black). Lacks white tufts along the sides of the abdomen.

Where/When: Found in areas with sandy soils on a wide variety of plants including roses, blackberry, clover, coreopsis, hollyhock, honeysuckle, iris, lilies, and peonies. Attracted to white or light-colored flowers. Adults are active starting late June or early July, feed for several weeks, and are typically gone by late July.

Significance: Feeds on blossoms, foliage, and fruit, causing cosmetic injury and potentially damage to the health of plants if they are abundant.

More information on False Japanese beetle