We're reaching into the archives for today's #BenInNature update presented by our friends at ...

August 7, 2021

We're reaching into the archives for today's #BenInNature update presented by our friends at Carter Bank & Trust! The following post was originally published on 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.

ABOUT #BenInNature
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. In this series of posts, Administrator of Science Ben Williams ventures outdoors to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world. New updates are posted Monday - Friday, with previous posts highlighted on the weekends. This series of posts is made possible thanks to the support of VMNH Corporate Partner Carter Bank & Trust (www.cbtcares.com).

NATURE PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONS
If you discover something in nature that you would like help identifying, be sure to message us right here on Facebook with a picture (please include location and date of picture) and we'll have our experts help you identify it!