Asiatic Garden Beetle - Shrubs

Photo: Mike Reding & Betsy Anderson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, bugwood.org

Another beetle that may be found feeding on a wide variety of ornamental plants is the Asiatic garden beetle (see above photo). Adults are about 3/8" long and feed on about 30 plants including rose, sumac and viburnum. Adults are nocturnal and are seldom seen. The beetles begin feeding at the leaf edge and may consume the entire leaf leaving only the midrib. Check damaged plants at night for the presence of the beetles. Heavy infestations may require the application of a residual insecticide to protect flowers and foliage of desirable plants. The larvae or grubs feed on turf roots.