Is the Japanese Beetle a June Bug?

There are many species of beetle that are colloquially referred to as “June bugs”, but the Japanese beetle is not considered a June bug.

June bugs and Japanese beetles are biologically similar, but they differ in some respects. June bugs are nocturnal whereas Japanese beetles are active during the day.

June bugs are famous for being attracted to artificial lights such as porch lights and street lights. Japanese beetles are not attracted to light.

Most June bugs are usually brown or reddish brown and have a more drab appearance than the regal looking Japanese beetle. The Japanese beetle is brightly colored in gold and metallic green.

Keep in mind that the term June bug includes a large number of beetle species so there are many differences among them. But the Japanese beetle is generally not included with this group.