Japanese beetle

noun

1. a small beetle, Popillia japonica, of the scarab family, introduced into the eastern U.S. from Japan, the adult of which feeds on the foliage of fruit and other trees, and the larva of which feeds on plant roots.

Japanese beetle

noun

1. a scarabaeid beetle, Popillia japonica, that eats the leaves and fruits of various plants: accidentally introduced into the US from Japan

Word History and Origins

Origin of Japanese beetle¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Other major pests the program has monitored this year include the apple maggot, Japanese beetle and spongy moth.

From Seattle Times

“WSDA conducted another treatment for Japanese beetles this spring and hopes to see a further decline in beetles next year.”

From Seattle Times

Adult Japanese beetle are metallic green and brown and have little tufts of white hair on their sides.

From Seattle Times

He is not talking about invasive species like spongy moth caterpillars or Japanese beetles; those he doesn’t celebrate.

From Seattle Times

In the kitchen, a reclaimed formica tabletop hosts several dinner settings arranged with intricate chopsticks, delicate Japanese bowls and, of course, plastic Japanese beetles.

From Los Angeles Times