Japanese Beetle

What it looks like

Shiny metallic green beetles with copper-colored wing covers, often feeding in clusters on leaves and flowers. Damage shows up as skeletonized leaves (just the veins left) and chewed, tattered petals.

Often mistaken for: Other metallic or copper-colored leaf beetles

When it shows up in the Triangle

Adults show up in mid-May here in the Piedmont and feeding peaks in July.

Where you’ll see it

Feeds on a huge range of landscape plants including roses, crape myrtle, hibiscus, crabapple, linden, and elm.

What you can do

• Remember most damage is cosmetic and plants usually recover
• For small numbers, shake beetles into a bucket of soapy water in early morning
• Keep plants healthy and well-watered so they can shrug off feeding
• Don't put pheromone traps near the plants you're trying to protect — they attract more beetles in