In this blog post, we are comparing two common pests, the June bug vs Japanese beetle. They are both beetles belonging to the Order Coleoptera and the Family Scarabaeidae, and they have a similar look.
This makes it appear as if there is no difference between them, yet there are important distinctions to be made.
After this, you’ll be able to tell the Japanese Beetle from the June bug and recognize other similarities between the two that might not be immediately visible. Read on to know about the June bug vs Japanese beetle and their similarities.
June Bug vs Japanese Beetle; Similarities
June bug vs Japanese beetle despite their many distinctions, these insects share many similarities as well. Both June bugs and Japanese beetles have the interesting quality of being consumed by humans.
Insects are edible by humans, and doing so may provide a few nutritional benefits. Beetles from Japan, for instance, are an excellent source of protein in addition to zinc and vitamin B12.
The larvae of this insect species are also edible. As a matter of fact, many people have attested that the larval stage of insects, particularly June bugs, is more appetizing than the adult version.
Larvae can be collected from the ground, and adults of the June bug are easily caught and attracted to indoor lighting. The Bear River people of northern California are among those who traditionally eat June bugs.
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June Bug vs Japanese Beetles; What You Need to Know
Both June bugs and Japanese beetles are considered pests, below is what you need to note about them.
1. As far as humans are concerned, both are completely safe
There is no danger to human beings from Japanese beetles or June bugs. There is no risk of infection, bites, or stings from these creatures. Nothing but flowers and plants are at risk from them.
2. They pose a threat to agricultural production
June bugs and Japanese beetles feed so heavily on plant life, these pests pose a significant threat to agricultural areas. The June insect is just as damaging as the Japanese beetle when it’s a larva.
3. June bugs and Japanese beetles have the same predators
Both pests are vulnerable to predators that specialize in beetles and bugs, such as birds, raccoons, moles, and other rodents.
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4. They are all members of the same scientific genus and class
Although they share the commonality of being insects, June bugs and Japanese beetles are also members of the same scientific family and order: the Coleoptera and the Scarabaeidae, respectively.
June Bugs vs Japanese Beetles; Differences
Below is the difference between the June bug and the Japanese beetle.
1. Size
The size of the insect is the most noticeable distinction between a June bug and a Japanese beetle. In comparison to June bugs, Japanese beetles are incredibly tiny.
The typical Japanese beetle measures 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) in length, whereas the largest recorded specimen measured 15 mm (0.59 in) (0.6 in).
The June bug, on the other hand, is just 12-25 mm in length (0.5 to 1 in). When compared to the largest Japanese beetle, the largest June bug is about twice as huge.
2. Color
Unlike June beetles, which tend to be a uniform shade of reddish brown or black, Japanese beetles come in a rainbow of hues.
Green and copper with bronze wing coatings characterize the typical Japanese beetle. Their sides are covered in white hair as well.
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3. Active Hours
Since they are most active during the day, Japanese beetles are classified as diurnal. Conversely, June bugs are predominantly nocturnal, meaning that they are most active in the evening hours.
When June bugs first emerge as adults, it is not uncommon to witness them flitting around during the day. They become most active at night, drawn to the illumination of homes and yards. Japanese beetles retreat to their burrows at night.
4. Reproduction
Depending on the temperature and length of the season, a female Japanese beetle can lay anywhere from 40 to 60 eggs. But June bugs are extremely prolific, producing anything from 50 to 200 offspring each season.
During their active time, both species of insects mate and feed at extraordinarily high rates, alternating between the two.
A Japanese beetle egg can develop into larvae in as little as two weeks. Contrarily, the average gestation period for June bugs is between 2.5 and 4 weeks.
5. Destructiveness
Farmers and gardeners may be particularly interested in this distinction. While both the June bug and the Japanese beetle can cause damage to crops and plants, the adult Japanese beetle is significantly more destructive.
This is due to the fact that an adult June bug cannot consume a sufficient quantity of a tree, plant, or flower to do significant damage.
Instead, it is the June bug’s larva stage that poses a problem for farmers, as it feeds on the roots of plants, perhaps preventing them from growing or killing them.
The adult Japanese beetle, on the other hand, will consume any neighboring vegetation and even fruits if they are ripe enough. The larval and adult stages of the Japanese beetle are both extremely damaging pests.
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6. Species Count
In contrast to the June bug’s 900+ species, the Japanese beetle only has one. Although the Japanese beetle and the Asian lady beetle are related, there is only one type of Japanese beetle that causes problems for gardeners and farmers.
There are numerous species of June bugs, and each has its own unique habits and appearance.
7. Order and Family
Although they share the same order and family name, Japanese beetles and June bugs belong to different taxonomic families.
The scientific name for Japanese beetles is Popillia Japonica, and they are part of the genus Popillia. However, there are more than 900 different kinds of June bugs within the genus Phyllophaga.
June Bug vs Japanese Beetle; Video
Below is an explanatory video on June bugs and Japanese beetles.
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