ARS | Publication request: Beetles As Fruit Pests-a Global Perspective

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: March 26, 2002
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) are serious pests of fruit and flowers throughout the world. Here in the north east and north central United States, the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, is one of the most notorious fruit pests because it feeds in large numbers on a wide variety of fruits during the day time. Other fruit feeders such as the rose chafer, Macrodactylus subspinosa, the green June beetle, Cotinis nitida and several species of Euphoria can also be pests in certain localities. In many parts of the world, members of the scarab subfamily Cetoniinae, the fruit and flower beetles, make up a large proportion of the fruit feeders. Species of cetoniads introduced into new habitats can become serious pests on a variety of fruits which were unavailable in their native habitats. In addition to direct destruction of fruit, some scarabs (Japanese beetle, European chafer - Rhizotrogus majalis and the oriental beetle - Anomala orientalis) can also destroy the roots of strawberry and other fruit crops. The availability of attractants may provide tools for survey and control of many of these important fruit pests.