Green June Beetle on Brambles
Return to Insects and Other Arthropod Pests
Green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) adults are about 1 inch long with dull, metallic green wings and bronze to yellow margins on their head and sides; their undersides are shiny green. Larvae are cream-colored, up to 2 inches long, and crescent-shaped. Larvae crawl on their backs and project legs upward when moving. Berries are susceptible to adult beetle feeding as fruit turn color and soften, leading to damage during the harvest period. Green June beetle only feeds on fruit; it does not consume foliage.
Green June beetle larva.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Green June beetle adult.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- In backyard and other small plantings, use netting with a mesh size of ¼ inch or smaller to exclude beetles.
- For commercial plantings, apply insecticides, as needed, during harvest.
