The green June beetle (Cotinis mutabilis in the Southwest, Cotinis nitida in the East) is one of Arizona's most visually distinctive scarab beetles. Adults are large (3/4–1 inch), brilliant metallic green on the back with tan to orange undersides, and produce a loud buzzing flight that makes them unmistakable in summer gardens. They are active during the day — unlike most scarabs — and are commonly seen flying low over lawns and gardens from June through August. Adults feed on ripe and overripe fruit, corn silk, and plant sap, and can cause significant damage to fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and vineyards. The larvae are large, C-shaped white grubs that live in the top few inches of soil and feed on organic matter, roots, and decaying plant material. A distinctive behavior of green June beetle grubs is crawling on their backs on the soil surface at night — a behavior that alarms homeowners who find them. Grubs tunnel through soil, disrupting root systems and creating channels that dry out turf. In Arizona, Cotinis mutabilis is common in the Sonoran Desert region, particularly in areas with organic-rich soil, compost, and irrigated gardens.
👁Warning Signs
Large metallic green beetles buzzing over lawns and gardens in June–August. Fruit damage: feeding on ripe figs, peaches, grapes, and corn. Large white grubs crawling on soil surface at night. Tunneling damage in turf and garden beds. Mounds of loose soil from grub tunneling.
⚠Health & Property Risks
Fruit and vegetable crop damage from adult feeding. Root and turf damage from larval tunneling. Soil disruption from grub activity. Damage to compost piles and organic mulch.
Prevention Tips
Remove overripe fruit promptly. Protect fruit with netting. Reduce organic mulch depth near turf. Apply preventive grub insecticides in late spring.
🛡Professional Treatment
Insecticide sprays on adults feeding on fruit. Soil insecticides for grub control. Beneficial nematodes for organic management. Hand-pick adults from fruit trees in the morning when they are sluggish.
Frequently Asked Questions — Green June Beetle
The Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida / Cotinis mutabilis) is adults brilliant metallic green dorsally, tan-orange ventrally; grubs cream-white and typically measures Adults 3/4–1 inch; grubs up to 1.5 inches. The green June beetle (Cotinis mutabilis in the Southwest, Cotinis nitida in the East) is one of Arizona's most visually distinctive scarab beetles. Adults are large (3/4–1 inch), brilliant metallic g.
The Green June Beetle poses a moderate risk. Fruit and vegetable crop damage from adult feeding. Root and turf damage from larval tunneling. Soil disruption from grub activity. Damage to compost piles and organic mulch.
In Arizona, green june beetles are most often encountered in the following situations: Large metallic green beetles buzzing over lawns and gardens in June–August. Fruit damage: feeding on ripe figs, peaches, grapes, and corn. Large white grubs crawling on soil surface at night. Tunneling damage in turf and garden beds. Mounds of loose soil from grub tunneling.
The Green June Beetle is most active during: Adults June–August; grubs active spring through fall. Arizona's warm desert climate can extend activity periods compared to other states, so year-round vigilance is recommended in the Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.
Remove overripe fruit promptly. Protect fruit with netting. Reduce organic mulch depth near turf. Apply preventive grub insecticides in late spring.
Insecticide sprays on adults feeding on fruit. Soil insecticides for grub control. Beneficial nematodes for organic management. Hand-pick adults from fruit trees in the morning when they are sluggish.
Left unchecked, Green June Beetle infestations can cause significant structural or food-storage damage over time. Fruit and vegetable crop damage from adult feeding. Root and turf damage from larval tunneling. Soil disruption from grub activity. Damage to compost piles and organic mulch. Early detection and professional treatment are the most cost-effective approach — contact Pest Control Bros for an inspection at the first sign of activity.
Dealing with Green June Beetle?
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