The grapevine beetle (Pelidnota punctata) is common throughout the central ...

July 19, 2020

The grapevine beetle (Pelidnota punctata) is common throughout the central, northern, and eastern U.S., and depending on where you find a grapevine beetle, you might notice some variation! The more southerly grapevine beetles have light brown legs like this one, while grapevine beetles from the north have dark legs.

These beetles spend their larval period feeding on decaying logs and stumps. They emerge as adults around July. As the name suggests, these beetles like to feed on both the fruit and the leaves of grapevines, and they aren't picky; they'll eat both wild and cultivated species of grapevine. Fortunately, however, they're not considered major pests, so don't worry too much about your vineyard.

If you'd like to see one of these attractive scarab beetles yourself, just leave your porch light on this summer; the adults are commonly attracted to lights. #BenInNature

This post brought to you by VMNH Corporate Supporter Bassett Furniture.

ABOUT THIS POST
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. While he is working from home, Administrator of Science Ben Williams is venturing outdoors each day to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world.

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