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{{Short description|Species of insect}} |
{{Short description|Species of insect}} |
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{{For|the green beetles of southwestern United States and Mexico|Figeater beetle}} |
{{For|the green beetles of southwestern United States and Mexico|Figeater beetle}} |
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The '''Japanese beetle''' ('''''Popillia japonica''''') is a species of [[Scarabaeidae|scarab]] beetle. The adult measures {{convert|15|mm|1|abbr=on}} in length and {{convert|10|mm|1|abbr=on}} in width, has [[iridescent]] copper-colored [[elytra]] and a green thorax and head. It is not very destructive in [[Japan]] (where it is controlled by natural predators), but in [[North America]] and some regions of [[Europe]] is a noted pest to roughly 300 species of plants, including [[rose]] bushes, [[grape]]s, [[hops]], [[canna (plant)|canna]], [[crape myrtle]]s, [[birch]] trees, [[Tilia|linden]] trees, and others.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japanese beetle |
The '''Japanese beetle''' ('''''Popillia japonica''''') is a species of [[Scarabaeidae|scarab]] beetle. The adult measures {{convert|15|mm|1|abbr=on}} in length and {{convert|10|mm|1|abbr=on}} in width, has [[iridescent]] copper-colored [[elytra]], and a green thorax and head. It is not very destructive in [[Japan]] (where it is controlled by natural predators), but in [[North America]] and some regions of [[Europe]], it is a noted pest to roughly 300 species of plants, including [[rose]] bushes, [[grape]]s, [[hops]], [[canna (plant)|canna]], [[crape myrtle]]s, [[birch]] trees, [[Tilia|linden]] trees, and others.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japanese beetle – Popillia japonica |url=https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/beetles/japanese_beetle.htm |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=entnemdept.ufl.edu}}</ref> |
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The adult beetles damage plants by [[Skeletonization|skeletonizing]] the foliage (i.e., consuming only the material between a leaf's veins) as well as, at times, feeding on a plant's fruit. The subterranean larvae feed on the roots of grasses. |
The adult beetles damage plants by [[Skeletonization|skeletonizing]] the foliage (i.e., consuming only the material between a leaf's veins) as well as, at times, feeding on a plant's fruit. The subterranean larvae feed on the roots of grasses. |
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==Taxonomy== |
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English entomologist [[Edward Newman (entomologist)|Edward Newman]] described the Japanese beetle in 1841.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} |
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== Description == |
== Description == |
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Adult ''P. japonica'' measure {{convert|15|mm|1|abbr=on}} in length and {{convert|10|mm|1|abbr=on}} in width, with [[iridescent]] copper-colored [[elytra]] and green thorax and head. A row of white tufts (spots) of hair project from under the wing covers on each side of the body.<ref name='UniKen'>{{cite web |url=https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef451 |title=Japanese Beetles in the Urban Landscape |author1=M.F. Potter |author2=D.A. Potter |author3=L.H. Townsend |publisher=University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture |date=January 2006}}</ref> Males are slightly smaller than females. Grubs are white and lie in curled positions. A mature grub is roughly {{convert|1|in|cm}} long.<ref name="Guide">{{cite web|url=https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/jb/downloads/JBhandbook.pdf|title=Managing the Japanese Beetle: A Homeowner' s Handbook|website=www.aphis.usda.gov|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service|access-date=31 Jan 2023}}</ref> |
Adult ''P. japonica'' measure {{convert|15|mm|1|abbr=on}} in length and {{convert|10|mm|1|abbr=on}} in width, with [[iridescent]] copper-colored [[elytra]] and green thorax and head. A row of white tufts (spots) of hair project from under the wing covers on each side of the body.<ref name='UniKen'>{{cite web |url=https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef451 |title=Japanese Beetles in the Urban Landscape |author1=M.F. Potter |author2=D.A. Potter |author3=L.H. Townsend |publisher=University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture |date=January 2006 |access-date=2018-09-08 |archive-date=2018-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908131100/https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef451 |url-status=live }}</ref> Males are slightly smaller than females. Grubs are white and lie in curled positions. A mature grub is roughly {{convert|1|in|cm}} long.<ref name="Guide">{{cite web|url=https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/jb/downloads/JBhandbook.pdf|title=Managing the Japanese Beetle: A Homeowner' s Handbook|website=www.aphis.usda.gov|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service|access-date=31 Jan 2023|archive-date=14 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314154433/https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/jb/downloads/JBhandbook.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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== Distribution == |
== Distribution == |
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''Popillia japonica'' is native to Japan, but is an invasive species in North America and Europe. |
''Popillia japonica'' is native to Japan, but is an invasive species in North America and Europe. |
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The first written evidence of the insect appearing within the United States was in 1916 in a [[Nursery (horticulture)|nursery]] near [[Riverton, New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Reading Eagle]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19230722&id=2ZYhAAAAIBAJ&pg=2824,4141070 |title=Japanese Beetle Ravages |date |
The first written evidence of the insect appearing within the United States was in 1916 in a [[Nursery (horticulture)|nursery]] near [[Riverton, New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[Reading Eagle]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19230722&id=2ZYhAAAAIBAJ&pg=2824,4141070 |title=Japanese Beetle Ravages |date=22 July 1923 |location=p. 26 |access-date=28 September 2015 |archive-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706184105/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19230722&id=2ZYhAAAAIBAJ&pg=2824,4141070 |url-status=live }}</ref> The beetle larvae are thought to have entered the United States in a shipment of [[Iris (plant)|iris]] bulbs prior to 1912, when inspections of commodities entering the country began. As of 2015, just nine western states of the United States were considered free of Japanese beetles.<ref name="Guide"/> Beetles have been detected in airports on the west coast of the United States since the 1940s. |
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The first Japanese beetle found in [[Canada]] was inadvertently brought by tourists to [[Yarmouth, Nova Scotia]] by ferry from Maine in 1939. During the same year, three additional adults were captured at Yarmouth and three at Lacolle in southern [[Quebec]].<ref name=CFIA>{{cite web|url=http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/popjap/tech/popjape.shtml |title=''Popillia Japonica'' (Japanese Beetle) – Fact Sheet |publisher=Canadian Food Inspection Agency |access-date=28 September 2015 |date=19 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204140237/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/popjap/tech/popjape.shtml |archive-date= 4 December 2010 }}</ref> |
The first Japanese beetle found in [[Canada]] was inadvertently brought by tourists to [[Yarmouth, Nova Scotia]], by ferry from Maine in 1939. During the same year, three additional adults were captured at Yarmouth and three at Lacolle in southern [[Quebec]].<ref name=CFIA>{{cite web|url=http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/popjap/tech/popjape.shtml |title=''Popillia Japonica'' (Japanese Beetle) – Fact Sheet |publisher=Canadian Food Inspection Agency |access-date=28 September 2015 |date=19 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204140237/http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/popjap/tech/popjape.shtml |archive-date= 4 December 2010 }}</ref> |
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Japanese beetles have been found |
Japanese beetles have been found on the islands of the [[Azores]] since the 1970s.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.sea-entomologia.org/Publicaciones/PDF/BOLN43/451_452BSEA43PHOJapaneseBetleAzores.pdf |title=The Japanese beetle ''Popillia japonica'' Newman, 1838 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the Azores islands |author=Virgílio Vieira |s2cid=83531725 |year=2008 |journal=Boletín Sociedad Entomológica Aragonesa |volume=43 |page=450 |access-date=28 September 2015 |archive-date=29 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929111743/http://www.sea-entomologia.org/Publicaciones/PDF/BOLN43/451_452BSEA43PHOJapaneseBetleAzores.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014, the first population in mainland [[Europe]] was discovered near [[Milan]], [[Italy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gd.eppo.int/reporting/article-3272 |title=First report of ''Popillia japonica'' in Italy |publisher=[[European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization|EPPO]] |access-date=28 September 2015 |archive-date=29 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929073528/https://gd.eppo.int/reporting/article-3272 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parcoticinolagomaggiore.it/docs/archivio/scheda_popillia_japonica.pdf |title=''Popillia japonica'' Newman, 1841 |publisher=Assessorato Agricoltura, Caccia e Pesca, Regione Piemonte |language=it |access-date=28 September 2015 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304202310/http://www.parcoticinolagomaggiore.it/docs/archivio/scheda_popillia_japonica.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2017, the pest was detected in [[Switzerland]], most likely having spread over the border from Italy. Swiss authorities are attempting to [[Pest control|eradicate]] the pest.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gd.eppo.int/reporting/article-6128 |title=First report of Popillia japonica in Switzerland |access-date=19 June 2018 |date=2017 |publisher=EPPO |archive-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024226/https://gd.eppo.int/reporting/article-6128 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Only three were found in [[Washington (state)|Washington State, USA]] in 2020, but |
Only three were found in [[Washington (state)|Washington State, USA]], in 2020, but from late June to September 3, 2021, there were over 20,000 found in [[Grandview, Washington|Grandview]] alone.<ref name="WSDA-20k-in-2021">{{cite web | title=Japanese beetle count passes 20,000 | website=[[Washington State Department of Agriculture|WSDA]] AgBriefs | date=3 September 2021 | url=http://wastatedeptag.blogspot.com/2021/09/japanese-beetle-count-passes-20000.html | access-date=2021-09-16 | archive-date=2021-09-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916230508/https://wastatedeptag.blogspot.com/2021/09/japanese-beetle-count-passes-20000.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== Lifecycle == |
== Lifecycle == |
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{{wide image|Japanese-beetle-life-cycle-Joel-Floyd.png|640px|Lifecycle of the Japanese beetle. Larvae feed on roots underground, while adults feed on leaves and stems.}} |
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[[File:Jbeggs.jpg|thumb|upright|A typical cluster of Japanese beetle [[Egg (biology)|eggs]]]] |
[[File:Jbeggs.jpg|thumb|upright|A typical cluster of Japanese beetle [[Egg (biology)|eggs]]]] |
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[[File:Japanese beetle pupa moulting 2017.jpg|thumb|A Japanese beetle pupa shortly after [[moulting]]]] |
[[File:Japanese beetle pupa moulting 2017.jpg|thumb|A Japanese beetle pupa shortly after [[moulting]]]] |
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Eggs are laid individually or in small clusters near the soil surface.<ref name=Fleming1972>{{cite journal|last1=Fleming|first1=WE|title=Biology of the Japanese beetle|journal=USDA Technical Bulletin|date=1972|volume=1449}}</ref> Within approximately two weeks, the ova hatch, the larvae feeding on fine roots and other organic material. As the larvae mature, they become c-shaped [[Beetle#Life cycle|grubs]], which consume progressively coarser roots and may do economic damage to pasture and turf at this time. |
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Larvae [[hibernation|hibernate]] in small cells in the soil, emerging in the spring when soil temperatures rise again.<ref name=Fleming1972 /> Within 4–6 weeks of breaking hibernation, the larvae will pupate. Most of the beetle's life is spent as a larva, with only 30–45 days spent as an [[imago]]. Adults feed on leaf material above ground, using pheromones to attract other beetles and overwhelm plants, skeletonizing leaves from the top of the plant downward. The aggregation of beetles will alternate daily between mating, feeding, and ovipositing. An adult female may lay as many as 40–60 ova in her lifetime.<ref name=Fleming1972 /> |
Larvae [[hibernation|hibernate]] in small cells in the soil, emerging in the spring when soil temperatures rise again.<ref name=Fleming1972 /> Within 4–6 weeks of breaking hibernation, the larvae will pupate. Most of the beetle's life is spent as a larva, with only 30–45 days spent as an [[imago]]. Adults feed on leaf material above ground, using pheromones to attract other beetles and overwhelm plants, skeletonizing leaves from the top of the plant downward. The aggregation of beetles will alternate daily between mating, feeding, and ovipositing. An adult female may lay as many as 40–60 ova in her lifetime.<ref name=Fleming1972 /> |
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Throughout the majority of the Japanese beetle's range, its lifecycle takes one full year |
Throughout the majority of the Japanese beetle's range, its lifecycle takes one full year; however, in the extreme northern parts of its range, as well as high-altitude zones as found in its native Japan, development may take two years.<ref name=USDA2015>{{cite web|last1=ODA|title=Or egon Department of Agriculture Insect Pest Prevention & Management Program Oregon.gov/ODA Rev: 3/ 30 /2017 2 Japanese Beetle Eradication Response Plan 2017|url=https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/IPPM/JapaneseBeetleResponsePlan.pdf|website=www.oregon.gov/ODA/|publisher=Oregon Department of Agriculture|access-date=31 May 2017|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707011149/http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/IPPM/JapaneseBeetleResponsePlan.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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== Control == |
== Control == |
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[[File:Istocheta aldrichi egg on Japanese beetle.jpg|thumb|upright|Egg of biocontrol, tachinid fly ''[[Istocheta aldrichi]]'', introduced from Japan]] |
[[File:Istocheta aldrichi egg on Japanese beetle.jpg|thumb|upright|Egg of biocontrol, tachinid fly ''[[Istocheta aldrichi]]'', introduced from Japan]] |
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[[Phenology|Phenological]] models might be useful in predicting the timing of presence of larvae or adults of the Japanese beetle. Model outputs can be used to support the timely implementation of monitoring and control actions against the pest, thus reducing its potential impact.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Gilioli|first1=Gianni|last2=Sperandio|first2=Giorgio|last3=Simonetto|first3=Anna|last4=Colturato|first4=Michele|last5=Battisti|first5=Andrea|last6=Mori|first6=Nicola|last7=Ciampitti|first7=Mariangela|last8=Cavagna|first8=Beniamino|last9=Bianchi|first9=Alessandro|last10=Gervasio|first10=Paola|date=2021-09-20|title=Modelling diapause termination and phenology of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica |journal=Journal of Pest Science|volume=95 |issue=2 |pages=869–880 |language=en|doi=10.1007/s10340-021-01434-8|s2cid=239147213|issn=1612-4766|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=RÉgniÈre|first1=Jacques|last2=Rabb|first2=Robert L.|last3=Stinner|first3=R. E.|date=1981-06-01|title=Popillia japonica: Simulation of Temperature-Dependent Development of the Immatures, and Prediction of Adult Emergence|url=https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/10.3.290|journal=Environmental Entomology|volume=10|issue=3|pages=290–296|doi=10.1093/ee/10.3.290|issn=1938-2936}}</ref> |
[[Phenology|Phenological]] models might be useful in predicting the timing of the presence of larvae or adults of the Japanese beetle. Model outputs can be used to support the timely implementation of monitoring and control actions against the pest, thus reducing its potential impact.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Gilioli|first1=Gianni|last2=Sperandio|first2=Giorgio|last3=Simonetto|first3=Anna|last4=Colturato|first4=Michele|last5=Battisti|first5=Andrea|last6=Mori|first6=Nicola|last7=Ciampitti|first7=Mariangela|last8=Cavagna|first8=Beniamino|last9=Bianchi|first9=Alessandro|last10=Gervasio|first10=Paola|date=2021-09-20|title=Modelling diapause termination and phenology of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica |journal=Journal of Pest Science|volume=95 |issue=2 |pages=869–880 |language=en|doi=10.1007/s10340-021-01434-8|s2cid=239147213|issn=1612-4766|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=RÉgniÈre|first1=Jacques|last2=Rabb|first2=Robert L.|last3=Stinner|first3=R. E.|date=1981-06-01|title=Popillia japonica: Simulation of Temperature-Dependent Development of the Immatures, and Prediction of Adult Emergence|url=https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/10.3.290|journal=Environmental Entomology|volume=10|issue=3|pages=290–296|doi=10.1093/ee/10.3.290|issn=1938-2936}}</ref> |
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Owing to |
Owing to their destructive nature, traps have been invented specifically to target Japanese beetles. These comprise a pair of crossed walls with a bag or plastic container underneath and are baited with floral scent, [[pheromone]], or both. However, studies conducted at the [[University of Kentucky]] and [[Eastern Illinois University]] suggest beetles attracted to traps frequently do not end up in the traps; instead, they land on plants in the vicinity and cause more damage along the flight path and near the trap than may have occurred if the trap were not present.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef451.asp |publisher=[[University of Kentucky]] |title=Japanese Beetles in the Urban Landscape |access-date=28 September 2015 |archive-date=16 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916170120/http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef451.asp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[Journal of Economic Entomology]] |title=Behavioral Explanations Underlying the Lack of Trap Effectiveness for Small-Scale Management of Japanese Beetles. |author1=Paul V. Switzer |author2=Patrick C. Enstrom |author3=Carissa A. Schoenick |s2cid=11509873 |year=2009 |volume=102 |issue=3 |pages=934–940 |doi=10.1603/029.102.0311 |pmid=19610405 |url=https://works.bepress.com/paul_switzer/11/download/ |access-date=2018-04-20 |archive-date=2017-09-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922040625/https://works.bepress.com/paul_switzer/11/download/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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During the larval stage, the Japanese beetle lives in [[lawn]]s and other [[grassland]]s, where it eats the roots of [[Poaceae|grasses]]. During that stage, it is susceptible to a fatal disease called milky spore disease, caused by a bacterium called [[milky spore]], ''Paenibacillus'' (formerly ''Bacillus'') ''popilliae.'' The [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] developed this biological control and it is commercially available in powder form for application to lawn areas. Standard applications (low density across a broad area) take from two to four years to establish maximal protection against larval survival, expanding through the soil through repeated rounds of infection. Control programs based on milky spore disease have been found to work most efficiently when applied as large-scale treatment programs, rather than by isolated landowners. ''[[Bacillus thuringiensis]]'' is also used to control Japanese beetle populations in the same manner.<ref name="Guide"/> |
During the larval stage, the Japanese beetle lives in [[lawn]]s and other [[grassland]]s, where it eats the roots of [[Poaceae|grasses]]. During that stage, it is susceptible to a fatal disease called milky spore disease, caused by a bacterium called [[milky spore]], ''Paenibacillus'' (formerly ''Bacillus'') ''popilliae.'' The [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] developed this biological control, and it is commercially available in powder form for application to lawn areas. Standard applications (low density across a broad area) take from two to four years to establish maximal protection against larval survival, expanding through the soil through repeated rounds of infection. Control programs based on milky spore disease have been found to work most efficiently when applied as large-scale treatment programs, rather than by isolated landowners. ''[[Bacillus thuringiensis]]'' is also used to control Japanese beetle populations in the same manner.<ref name="Guide"/> |
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On field crops such as [[Squash (plant)|squash]], floating [[row cover]]s can be used to exclude the beetles, but this may necessitate [[hand pollination]] of flowers. [[Kaolin spray]]s can also be used as barriers. |
On field crops such as [[Squash (plant)|squash]], floating [[row cover]]s can be used to exclude the beetles, but this may necessitate [[hand pollination]] of the flowers. [[Kaolin spray]]s can also be used as barriers. |
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Research performed by many US extension service branches has shown that [[pheromone trap]]s attract more beetles than they catch; under favorable conditions, only up to three quarters of the insects attracted to a trap will be captured by it.<ref name="Guide"/><ref name="landscapeamerica">{{cite web|url=http://www.landscape-america.com/problems/insects/japanese_beetle_controls.html|title=Japanese beetle control methods |access-date=28 September 2015 |publisher=Ohio City Productions, Inc. |website=Landscape America }}</ref> Traps are most effective when spread out over an entire community |
Research performed by many US extension service branches has shown that [[pheromone trap]]s attract more beetles than they catch; under favorable conditions, only up to three quarters of the insects attracted to a trap will be captured by it.<ref name="Guide"/><ref name="landscapeamerica">{{cite web |url=http://www.landscape-america.com/problems/insects/japanese_beetle_controls.html |title=Japanese beetle control methods |access-date=28 September 2015 |publisher=Ohio City Productions, Inc. |website=Landscape America |archive-date=28 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928233858/http://www.landscape-america.com/problems/insects/japanese_beetle_controls.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Traps are most effective when spread out over an entire community and downwind and at the borders (i.e., as far away as possible, particularly upwind) of managed property containing plants being protected. |
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When present in small numbers, the beetles may be manually controlled using a soap-water spray mixture, shaking a plant in the morning hours and disposing of the fallen beetles,<ref name="landscapeamerica" /> or simply picking them off attractions such as rose flowers |
When present in small numbers, the beetles may be manually controlled using a soap-water spray mixture, shaking a plant in the morning hours and disposing of the fallen beetles,<ref name="landscapeamerica" /> or simply picking them off attractions such as rose flowers since the presence of beetles attracts more beetles to that plant.<ref name="gardenprof">{{cite web|url=https://sharepoint.cahnrs.wsu.edu/blogs/urbanhort/archive/2010/03/18/disney-and-japanese-beetles.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314082222/https://sharepoint.cahnrs.wsu.edu/blogs/urbanhort/archive/2010/03/18/disney-and-japanese-beetles.aspx |archive-date=14 March 2012|title=Disney and Japanese Beetles |author=Jeff Gillman |access-date=28 September 2015 |date=18 March 2010 |publisher=Washington State University}}</ref> |
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Several insect predators and parasitoids have been introduced to the United States for biocontrol. Two of them, the fly ''[[Istocheta aldrichi]]'', a parasite of adult beetles, and the solitary wasp ''[[Tiphia]] [[Tiphia vernalis|vernalis]]'', a parasite of larvae, are well established with significant but variable rates of parasitism. ''Tiphia vernalis'' reproduces by locating beetle grubs through digging, and on finding one paralyzes it with a sting and lays an egg on it; on hatching, the wasp larva consumes the grub. ''Istocheta aldrichi'' instead seeks out adult female beetles and lays eggs on |
Several insect predators and parasitoids have been introduced to the United States for biocontrol. Two of them, the fly ''[[Istocheta aldrichi]]'', a parasite of adult beetles, and the solitary wasp ''[[Tiphia]] [[Tiphia vernalis|vernalis]]'', a parasite of larvae, are well established with significant but variable rates of parasitism. ''Tiphia vernalis'' reproduces by locating beetle grubs through digging, and on finding one, it paralyzes it with a sting and lays an egg on it; on hatching, the wasp larva consumes the grub. ''Istocheta aldrichi'' instead seeks out adult female beetles and lays eggs on their thoraxes, allowing its larvae to burrow into the insect's body and kill it in this manner. A female ''I. aldrichi'' can lay up to 100 eggs over two weeks, and the rapidity with which its larvae kill their hosts allows the use of these flies to suppress beetle populations before they can themselves reproduce.<ref name="Guide"/><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Rogers|first1=Michael E.|last2=Potter|first2=Daniel A.|date=2004-06-01|title=Biology of Tiphia pygidialis (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae), a Parasitoid of Masked Chafer (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Grubs, with Notes on the Seasonal Occurrence of Tiphia vernalis in Kentucky|journal=Environmental Entomology|volume=33|issue=3|pages=520–527|doi=10.1603/0046-225X-33.3.520|issn=0046-225X|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Shanovich|first1=Hailey N|last2=Ribeiro|first2=Arthur Vieira|last3=Koch|first3=Robert L|date=2021-04-01|title=Seasonal Abundance, Defoliation, and Parasitism of Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Two Apple Cultivars|url=https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toaa315|journal=Journal of Economic Entomology|volume=114|issue=2|pages=811–817|doi=10.1093/jee/toaa315|pmid=33503253 |issn=0022-0493}}</ref> |
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Soil-dwelling [[nematode]]s are known to seek out and prey on Japanese beetle grubs during the subterranean portion of their life cycle by entering larvae and reproducing within their bodies. Varieties that have seen commercial use as pest control agents include ''[[Steinernema glaseri]]'' and ''[[Heterorhabditis bacteriophora]]''.<ref name="Guide"/> |
Soil-dwelling [[nematode]]s are known to seek out and prey on Japanese beetle grubs during the subterranean portion of their life cycle by entering larvae and reproducing within their bodies. Varieties that have seen commercial use as pest control agents include ''[[Steinernema glaseri]]'' and ''[[Heterorhabditis bacteriophora]]''.<ref name="Guide"/> |