Common General Name:
The most common name is simply beetle. Specific types are often referred to by their common names, such as ladybug or Japanese beetle.
Interesting General Fact:
Beetles are the most diverse group of animals on the planet. Roughly one in every four known animal species is a beetle, and they make up about 40% of all known insects.
General Taxonomic Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
- Phylum: Arthropoda (Arthropods)
- Class: Insecta (Insects)
- Order: Coleoptera (This order contains all beetle species.)
- Family: Varies by species — there is no single family for all beetles.
Specific Beetle Species:
Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica):
An invasive, highly destructive pest with a metallic green head and copper-coloured wing covers. Adults feed on the leaves and flowers of over 300 plant species, often leaving skeletonised foliage. The larval stage damages turfgrass roots.
Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus):
One of the largest beetles in North America, with males sporting rhinoceros-like horns. Harmless to humans, they feed on decaying wood as larvae.
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis):
A small, metallic green beetle that attacks ash trees. Larvae feed beneath the bark, disrupting the tree’s vascular system and eventually killing it.
Ladybug (Family Coccinellidae):
Beneficial predators of pests like aphids, but the invasive Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) can become a nuisance when large numbers gather on homes in autumn to overwinter.
Identifying a Beetle Infestation:
Beetle infestations vary depending on species, but common warning signs include:
- Visible Beetles — indoors, on plants, or around stored food products.
- Damaged Foliage — leaves with holes or skeletonised patterns.
- Larvae or Grubs — in soil, turf, or under bark.
- Bore Holes in Wood or Trees — small round holes indicating tunnelling beetles.
- Accumulation of Beetle Frass (Droppings) — fine powder or pellets near affected wood.
- Clustering Behaviour — certain species, like Asian Lady Beetles, may gather in large groups on sunny walls or inside window frames.
If you notice these signs, prompt action can prevent further damage to plants, stored goods, or your property.