Japanese beetle vs Grapevine beetle
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a Japanese beetle from a grapevine beetle, and whether either one bites or stings.
Japanese beetle
Popillia japonica
Grapevine beetle
Pelidnota punctata
≠The key differences
Smaller (around 8-11 mm), metallic green and copper, with white tufts along abdomen; not spotted tan/orange
⚖︎Side by side
| Japanese beetle | Grapevine beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 8-11 mm long | 20-25 mm long |
| Colours | Metallic green, Coppery brown, Cream (larva), White (abdominal tufts) | Tan, Orange, Black, Brown |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Habitat | Adults found on shrubs, trees, flowers and crops in sunny locations; larvae live in turf, lawns, pastures and grassy areas with soil organic matter. | Woodlands, edges, gardens and vineyards; adults on grapevines, fruit trees, sap flows and flowers; larvae in soil and decaying wood |
| Range | Native to Japan; invasive across much of eastern and midwestern North America with spreading populations in parts of western North America, and established in Europe in the Azores, northern Italy and Switzerland. | Eastern and central North America (from southern Canada through much of the United States) |
| Active | Adults active in summer months (commonly June-August); larvae active in late summer through spring while feeding on roots. | Summer (commonly July-August); adults most active in daytime and early evening, also attracted to lights at night |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍How to spot a Japanese beetle
- Adults 8-11 mm, metallic emerald-green head and thorax with coppery-brown elytra
- Five small white tufts of hair along each side of the abdomen plus two at the tip, visible just below the edge of the elytra
- Adults skeletonize leaves, leaving a lace-like appearance on foliage
🔍How to spot a grapevine beetle
- Pale tan to orange wing covers with three black spots on each, plus a black spot on each side of the pronotum
- Size about 20-25 mm and oval, convex scarab shape
- Dark, often metallic greenish underside and legs
- Often found on grapevines or ripe fruit in summer and attracted to lights at night
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Japanese beetle and a grapevine beetle?
Smaller (around 8-11 mm), metallic green and copper, with white tufts along abdomen; not spotted tan/orange
Is a Japanese beetle or a grapevine beetle more dangerous?
Japanese beetle: Non-toxic. Grapevine beetle: Non-toxic. Japanese beetles are not poisonous and do not pose a medical threat. Grapevine beetles do not bite or sting and are not poisonous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.