May Beetles

Phyllophaga species

May beetles can sometimes be quite destructive to trees and shrubs, especially when the change from winter to spring is late, which causes all of the adults in an area to come out at once. When this happens, they can eat all the leaves in a large area. The larvae of May beetles mature underground; it can take as long as three years to complete their development.

Look For : A glossy, reddish-brown beetle; antennae bent at right angles at tips; makes a buzzing sound.

Length : 3/4-1 3/8".

Habitat : Forests, grasslands, suburbs.

Range : Widespread.