Now that Spring is here and the weather is warming up, are you noticing large hard-shelled beetles around your property and even in your house? You’re probably dealing with june bugs! In this article, we’ll be talking about where do june bugs come from and how you can prevent them!
Where Do June Bugs Come From?
June Bugs are extremely common during late spring and summer, hence the name, and it might get you wondering where do june bugs come from?
Adult June bugs emerge from the soil in late spring and early summer, typically around May and June. They have a one-year life cycle in warmer regions and a two-to-three-year life cycle in colder climates.
Female June bugs lay their eggs in the soil, usually in well-drained areas with abundant vegetation. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae (grubs) burrow into the soil and feed on plant roots, including those of grasses, ornamental plants, and crops. After several weeks to months, depending on the region and species, the larvae will pupate in the soil and eventually emerge as adult beetles to mate and continue the life cycle.
This is why it appears as if June Bugs just appear out of nowhere when May and June comes around. They are constantly living under the soil, but the don’t reach maturity until May and June and that’s when they appear!
Why Do June Bugs Come Out In June?
June bugs, also known as May beetles, are named for their most active adult emergence period, which predominantly occurs in late spring to early summer, typically peaking in June. These beetles spend the majority of their life underground as grubs, feeding on roots for nearly three years.
As temperatures begin to warm up in the spring, the grubs mature and undergo metamorphosis, eventually emerging from the soil as adult beetles. Their synchronized emergence is influenced by soil temperature, moisture, and other environmental factors. So, while the name “June bug” might sound like a simple coincidence, it’s a direct reflection of the beetle’s most noticeable period of activity in many regions.
Where Do June Bugs Live?
Here’s a breakdown of where June bugs typically live:
- Larval Stage (Grubs): June bug larvae, commonly referred to as “grubs,” live underground. They burrow into the soil and feed on the roots of grasses and other plants. This is where they spend most of their life, growing and developing. In this stage, they can often be a nuisance to gardeners and homeowners, as they can damage lawns and other vegetation.
- Adult Stage: Once they’ve matured into adult beetles, June bugs emerge from the ground. Adult June bugs are typically nocturnal and are attracted to lights. During the day, they can often be found resting in trees, shrubs, and other vegetation.
- Geographical Distribution: June bugs are widespread across North America. Different species can be found from the southern United States to Canada. Their specific habitat can vary based on species and local environmental conditions, but they are generally found in areas with plenty of vegetation, as both larvae and adults rely on plants for food.
- Nesting: While they don’t build traditional nests, adult females burrow into the ground to lay their eggs after mating. This ensures that when the eggs hatch, the emerging grubs will be in an environment rich with their primary food source: plant roots.
What Are June Bugs?
June Bugs have a few different names including June Beetles, May Beetles, or their genius of Phyllophaga. June Bugs are scarab beetles that are extremely common in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They are usually between 15-25mm in length and come in a variety of colors including green, red, brown, and black.
The name June Bugs comes from their rise in population during late Spring and Summer, May and June specifically.
If you have a porch light on during the summer and see a swarm of beetles, these are generally june bugs! Although june bugs aren’t blind, they are attracted to light, which means you’ll often see them out near any exterior lights at night! Take a look at our guide on how to get keep june bugs away from your lights!
Final Thoughts On Where Do June Bugs Come From?
It can be quite overwhelming to see June Bugs seemingly appear out of nowhere overnight. But that’s because the june bug larvae are living in the soil during early spring and once May and June come around they reach maturity and they leave the soil and start flying around!
I hope this guide on where june bugs come from has been helpful!
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