The Japanese beetle, a significant pest in the United States, impacts a variety of plants, including turfgrass, ornamentals, and crops like corn and soybeans. Originating from Japan, where it is a minor pest, the beetle has become more problematic in the U.S., lacking natural predators and benefiting from suitable habitats. Larvae damage turfgrass roots, while adults feed on leaves, creating a skeletonized appearance. They are particularly troublesome for corn and soybean crops in the Midwest, where their populations and range are expanding.

Effective management of the Japanese beetle involves understanding its life cycle and behaviors. Adults, identified by their metallic-green bodies and coppery-bronze wing coverings, emerge in mid-summer, with females laying eggs that develop into root-feeding larvae. These grubs are especially damaging to turfgrass. In corn, beetles clip silks, affecting pollination, while in soybeans, they skeletonize leaves. Control strategies include cultural, biological, and chemical methods, though the beetle’s high mobility poses challenges for effective management.

In summary, the Japanese beetle’s generalist feeding habits, tendency to form large aggregations, and ability to adapt to various environments make it a formidable pest. Its impact on agricultural crops like corn and soybean is of particular concern, especially with its growing presence in the Midwest. Effective management requires an integrated approach, considering the beetle’s life stages, feeding behaviors, and mobility.

For more detailed information, read this article from Integrated Crop Management News and their review article from the Journal of Integrated Pest Management.