Green June beetle vs Figeater beetle
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a green June beetle from a figeater beetle, and whether either one bites or stings.
Green June beetle
Cotinis nitida
Figeater beetle
Cotinis mutabilis
≠The key differences
Cotinis mutabilis (southwestern species) has a greener, more uniform sheen and differs in geographical range (southwest US and Mexico); C. nitida has more yellowish margins and bronze shading and occurs in the eastern US.
Cotinis nitida (eastern United States) is smaller (about 15-22 mm) with a more uniform darker green upper side and often bronze-yellow stripes or margins; ranges barely overlap, so location is the quickest clue.
⚖︎Side by side
| Green June beetle | Figeater beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 15-22 mm long | About 25-32 mm long |
| Colours | Metallic green, Golden yellow, Bronze brown | Metallic green, Bronze, Yellowish underside, Brown/black head |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Habitat | Gardens, orchards, woodlands edges, compost piles, turf and lawns in urban and rural areas | Open, warm habitats: orchards, gardens, suburban yards, compost piles, flowering shrubs and trees. |
| Range | Eastern United States from the Atlantic coast west into parts of the Midwest and south into Florida and Texas | Southwestern United States (e.g., California, Arizona, New Mexico), Mexico; records extend into nearby regions depending on climate and local occurrences. |
| Active | Warm months (primarily June and July in much of their range); active mainly during the day | Warm months (summer); primarily diurnal (active during the day). |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍How to spot a green June beetle
- Large, broad beetle 15-22 mm long with a velvety green upper surface and shiny metallic green underside
- Tan to orange-yellow margins along the elytra
- Stout legs with digging spines and a convex, oval body shape
- Usually active in daytime and dusk feeding on fruit or sap
🔍How to spot a figeater beetle
- Large, broad scarab beetle about 25-32 mm long with a dull velvety green upper side, often with tan or brownish elytral margins.
- Day-active: often seen feeding on exposed ripe fruit or flying clumsily near trees with a loud buzz.
- Underside and legs shiny metallic green to bronze; body oval and somewhat flattened.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a green June beetle and a figeater beetle?
Cotinis mutabilis (southwestern species) has a greener, more uniform sheen and differs in geographical range (southwest US and Mexico); C. nitida has more yellowish margins and bronze shading and occurs in the eastern US. Cotinis nitida (eastern United States) is smaller (about 15-22 mm) with a more uniform darker green upper side and often bronze-yellow stripes or margins; ranges barely overlap, so location is the quickest clue.
Is a green June beetle or a figeater beetle more dangerous?
Green June beetle: Non-toxic. Figeater beetle: Non-toxic. Cotinis nitida is not venomous and does not pose a medical threat. Figeater beetles are not venomous, do not sting and do not bite people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.