Japanese Beetle by

A beetle chillin

benjamin_kenny1 — 2013-11-18 15:16:44 UTC

Habitat

2013-11-18 15:18:15 UTC

First found near New Jersey and have since spread to almost everywhere east of the Mississippi River.

source: http://www.saferbrand.com/advice/insect-library/garden-insects/japanese-beetles#habitat

Zach H:

zachary_hutson1 — 2013-11-18 15:18:59 UTC

Japanese beetles are chewing insects that destroy leaves, flowers and fruits of more than 276 plants. These beetles can completely skeletonize leaves, feed on corn silk and corn ear tips and are especially destructive to grapes, peaches and other members of the rose family. The grubs feed on grass roots in lawns, parks, golf courses, and cemeteries.

Source (http://urbanext.illinois.edu/bugreview/japanesebeetle.cfm)

Currently invading

2013-11-18 15:20:02 UTC

New England; they are attracted to warm air and consistent precipitation.

source: http://hort.uwex.edu/articles/japanese-beetle

population control

benjamin_kenny1 — 2013-11-18 15:21:17 UTC

The invasive species has been met with japaneese beetle traps, which are a four walled post with a bag underneath to trap them. the beetles are attracted to a floral scent in the bag, hit one of the walls and fall into the bag. trapped forever. Powder is also sold to kill the beetles when they are in a larval stage. it is quite effective.

Niche

2013-11-18 15:23:14 UTC

The beetles eat several different species of plants; can be harmful for other animals.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_beetle

Zach H;

zachary_hutson1 — 2013-11-18 15:25:03 UTC

Japanese beetle adults and larvae (grubs) are destructive plant pests. Adults feed on the foliage and fruits of several hundred species of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, and field and vegetable crops. Adult beetles prefer to feed on the upper surface of leaves, especially those in full sun. They leave behind skeletonized leaves and large, irregular holes in leaves. Source:

(http://web.extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/downloads/40154.pdf)

Reproduction

2013-11-18 15:26:23 UTC

Adults mate and females lay eggs in the soil at the end of the summer.

source: http://www.saferbrand.com/advice/insect-library/garden-insects/japanese-beetles#reproduction

Zach H:

zachary_hutson1 — 2013-11-18 15:31:05 UTC

How to get rid of Japanese Beetles:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEUfoW1Yrz8

Infected areas in U.S.

benjamin_kenny1 — 2013-11-19 14:49:33 UTC

A gross grub eew

benjamin_kenny1 — 2013-11-19 14:51:17 UTC

Japanese Beetle trap

benjamin_kenny1 — 2013-11-19 14:55:20 UTC

Scene of the crime

benjamin_kenny1 — 2013-11-19 14:57:01 UTC