Illinois Exotic Species:
Japanese beetle Popillia japonica

The Japanese beetle is about three-fourths to one and one-fourth inches in length. Its upper body is metallic blue-green with red-brown coloration on the wing covers. There are white, hairlike patches on the lower abdomen. The larva is a white grub.

The Japanese beetle may be found throughout Illinois. It is active mainly late June through August. Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). The eggs are laid in soil in grassy areas. Overwintering is in the larval stage. The adult eats leaves, flowers and fruit of many plants, including ornamentals, fruit trees, corn and soybeans. These insects are very damaging to many plants. The larvae eat plant roots. The Japanese beetle was accidentally brought to the eastern United States on nursery stock from Japan in 1916. It has now spread to most of the eastern United States.

Exotic Species Photo Gallery | Exotic Species Intro Page | Wild About Animals | Wild About Plants