Green June Beetle & Figeater Beetle

📐 FIELD GUIDE ILLUSTRATION

June bug (Phyllophaga) identification illustration with labeled anatomical features — PestControlBasics.com

Original illustration by PestControlBasics.com. Use the labeled features above to confirm your identification.

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PestControlBasics Editorial Team

Reviewed by Derek Giordano · Updated 2026

🔍 Identification

Green June Beetle (C. nitida): 20-28mm; velvety green above; metallic gold-green underneath; found throughout eastern US in summer. Larvae: unusual habit of burrowing belly-up (back legs used for locomotion). Figeater Beetle (C. mutabilis): Similar; found in the Southwest; associated with fig and grape orchards.

🧬 Biology & Behavior

Adults emerge in summer and feed on overripe fruit, nectar, and plant sap. Females burrow into soil to lay eggs; larvae feed on decaying organic matter in soil. The belly-up larvae are distinctive — they crawl on their backs using strong bristles. Both species are significant lawn grubs where abundant, though less damaging than Japanese beetle grubs.

⚠️ Damage & Health Risk

Lawn grub damage in heavy populations; fruit damage in orchards (adults feeding on overripe fruit); noise and nuisance from adults buzzing at lights; occasional entry into structures.

🔧 DIY Treatment

Adults: no treatment warranted — they live 4-6 weeks and disperse. Grubs: standard white grub treatment if populations are above threshold. Overripe fruit should be harvested promptly to reduce adult congregation.

👷 When to Call a Pro

Rarely warranted alone.

❓ FAQ

Are green June beetles harmful?

Adults are harmless — they may bite weakly if handled but cannot cause injury. They're just large, noisy, and clumsy. The larvae (grubs) cause some lawn damage in high-density populations but are generally considered less economically important than Japanese beetle grubs.

Why do green June beetles fly into me?

Green June beetles have poor vision and are strongly attracted to movement and heat. They frequently collide with people outdoors in summer — this is accidental, not aggressive. They can't sting and rarely bite.

Factor	Details
U.S. Range	All or most U.S. states
Regional Detail	Distribution varies — consult your local extension service for regional prevalence data.

Factor

Details

U.S. Range

All or most U.S. states

Regional Detail

Distribution varies — consult your local extension service for regional prevalence data.

📅 Treatment Timing Guide

Treating at the right time dramatically improves results. Pest control timed to the life cycle uses less product and achieves better long-term control.

Period	Action
Spring	Inspection and perimeter treatment before pest season starts.
Summer	Active monitoring and targeted treatments as needed.
Fall	Preventive treatment before overwintering pests seek entry.

Period

Action

Spring

Inspection and perimeter treatment before pest season starts.

Summer

Active monitoring and targeted treatments as needed.

Fall

Preventive treatment before overwintering pests seek entry.

💰 Professional Treatment Costs

Service Type	DIY Cost	Professional Cost
Initial inspection	Free (self-inspect)	$75–$150 (often credited to treatment)
One-time treatment	$30–$100 in materials	$150–$500
Annual service contract	N/A	$400–$900/year
Severe infestation	Often ineffective alone	$500–$2,500+

Service Type

DIY Cost

Professional Cost

Initial inspection

Free (self-inspect)

$75–$150 (often credited to treatment)

One-time treatment

$30–$100 in materials

$150–$500

Annual service contract

N/A

$400–$900/year

Severe infestation

Often ineffective alone

$500–$2,500+

Prices vary by region, property size, and infestation severity.

❓ Common Questions About 🪲 Green June Beetle & Figeater

How do I confirm I actually have this pest (not something similar)?

The most reliable confirmation is a physical specimen — capture one and compare to reference images on this page. For cryptic pests (bed bugs, termites), look for secondary signs: frass, shed skins, mud tubes, or bites with a specific pattern. When uncertain, a professional inspection is faster than months of misidentification.

Can I treat this myself or do I need a professional?

DIY is effective for small, accessible infestations caught early. Professionals are worth the cost when: the infestation is inside wall voids or structural elements, multiple rooms are affected, you have health-risk pests (hantavirus, venomous species), or DIY has already failed twice.

How long until the infestation is completely gone?

Expect 3–8 weeks for most infestations with proper treatment. Insects with dormant life stages (pupae, eggs) extend the timeline because those stages are impervious to most insecticides. Follow-up treatments at 2 and 4 weeks catch each new cohort as they emerge.

What's the most common mistake people make treating this pest?

Treating only the visible pest population while ignoring the harborage site, entry point, or breeding location. Killing adults provides temporary relief but the population rebuilds from hidden egg cases, pupae, or new arrivals through unaddressed entry points.

🪲 Green June Beetle & Figeater