Grapevine beetle

Grapevine Beetle
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Coleoptera
Family:	Scarabaeidae
Genus:	Pelidnota
Species:	P. punctata
Binomial name
Pelidnota punctata (Linnaeus, 1758)

The grapevine beetle, Pelidnota punctata, also known as Spotted June Beetle or the Spotted Pelidnota, is a member of the subfamily Rutelinae of the Scarab beetle family. Grapevine beetles are common in the north and central United States and Eastern Canada, but do relatively little damage to their host plants.

The adult beetle is approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) long, but can reach 1.2 inches occasionally, off-yellow or auburn red, with three black spots running down each side. Fine black lines divide the edges of its elytra. At other times, the beetle may have been known as Pelidnota lutea. There are two different variations of pelidnota punctata, the southern variation lacks the darker legs, while the northern variation has darker legs.

The beetles fly rapidly, usually in a curve.

Habitat and Diet

The beetle lives in the eastern coast of North America, as well as Florida, Nebraska and north western Missouri, and has been found in central Indiana and south western Ontario Canada. Also just found in northwestern Kentucky and Illinois. It lives, like many beetles, in forests, thickets, and woods, and is mostly seen during the summer. Active flyers, these beetles are commonly attracted to lights at night. It is also seen in vineyards and gardens.

The adult beetle eats the leaves and fruit of grapevines, both wild and cultivated, although it is not normally a major pest of vineyards.

Beetle eggs are laid in rotten wood, tree stumps, or on soil near the host plant, where they hatch into larvae. Larvae then dig their way into the soil, where they feed on rotted wood. Pupal chambers are built shallowly underground. The adults emerge in July.

External links

• Bug Guide
• Grapevine Beetle diagnostic reference photos and information