Other names: Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica
Where did it come from?
Japanese beetle was introduced in 1916 from Japan. It was first recorded in New Jersey and it’s speculated that it was transported in the soil of an ornamental plant.
Why is it invasive?
Japanese beetle is an extreme generalist that eats over 300 types of plants. Adults skeletonize leaves and grubs damage pastures/lawns.
Resources:
♦ Japanese Beetles in Urban Landscape
♦ Crabapples Resistant to Apple Scab and Japanese Beetle in Indiana
Image credit: Sara Eguren