Life Cycle June Beetle
The June beetles, also called white grubs, mostly feed on turf grass. There are several white grub species. However, the grub of the June beetle is quite unique. It comes to the surface in the nights and feeds on turf grass unlike the other species. The grub’s larval activity can cause a lot of damage to the turf grass. |
The June beetles complete one whole life cycle in one year. The adult beetles start flying off in June and continue until September. The adults are at the peak during mid July, especially in Maryland and Virginia. If it is a warm and sunny day, then the adults swarm to the grassy lands. They may chose to rest in the nights under the thatch. In colder seasons, when the sun is not out much, they feed during the nights. They get attracted to the light. The flight and the sound resemble a bumble bee.
The adult females, when they emerge, settle on the lower parts of the trees and the shrubs. They release pheromones and attract a large number of males. Also, the males fly on the turf so that they can spot the emerging females. After mating, the female lays eggs and buries them 2 inches deep into the soil. The larvae come out of the eggs in July and August and the first couple of instar periods are spent underground where the larvae feed on roots and grains found in the soil. Towards September end, the larvae reach the third instar and start tunneling and form large grubs.
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