June 7 is appropriately observed as June Bug Day. This month is when June bugs, which belong to the Phyllophaga genus, are most visible. They emerge from the earth at this time of year in search of food and a mate. They may spend up to three years as larvae in the soil. Adults have a firm brown or black exoskeleton and brown or black wings. During the day, they conceal in trees, but at dusk, they swarm and are drawn to light. Additionally, this occurs when they are actively feeding on trees and shrubs.
HISTORY OF JUNE BUG DAY
June bugs are a type of beetle, and they come in a diverse array of species. The term ‘June bug’ refers to any of approximately 100 species of scarab insects. They belong to the Phyllophaga genus and the Coleoptera order. The June insect is also known as the ‘June beetle’ or the ‘May beetle.’ The common June insect ranges in size from one-half to five-eighths of an inch and is reddish-brown in colour. Similar to other beetles, it has shiny wing coverings known as ‘elytra.’ June bugs are capable of causing damage to gardens, lawns, and pastures, but they can typically be managed with pesticides. June bugs are known as chafers due to the fact that they prey on vegetation, specifically leaves. In addition to grass, flowers, and fruit, a June bug’s diet can also include grains and other food products. As part of their diet, they are also known to ingest decaying organic matter. Their scientific name, Phyllophaga, is derived from the Greek phrase for “leaf eater,” which is Phyllophaga. June bugs are nocturnal, which means they are typically most active between dusk and dawn. They typically feed from twilight until nightfall to avoid predators. June bugs derive their name from the fact that their adults emerge from the soil at the end of spring or the beginning of summer, which occurs in June.
The females conceal their eggs just beneath the soil’s surface. June bug larvae typically emerge within three to four weeks and feed on grass and plant roots for up to three years during their formative months. In three weeks, the larvae transform into pupae and mature into adults during the spring and early summer.
In general, adult June bugs are innocuous. Their attraction to light, however, causes them to be a nuisance to humans. Even indoor lighting can attract a significant number of June bugs. In many regions of the United States, the sound of June bugs crashing and swarming against window screens is closely associated with summer. Although several hypotheses have been proposed, no single theory can explain why distinct species of nocturnal insects gravitate towards sources of light.
5 FACTS ABOUT JUNE BUGS
Nobody knows why people enjoy lighting.
Scientists are perplexed by the June bug’s irrational attraction to artificial light.
They can inhabit the subsurface
The white, grub-like larva of the June bug can persist in the soil for up to three years.
They possess an extra pair of wings.
These notoriously clumsy fliers have two pairs of wings, but only one of them provides lift, as defined by scientists.
June bugs are insects.
June bugs are members of the large and diverse insect order known as beetles.
June beetle is a popular moniker
June beetle is the common name for scarab beetles that appear in June in subtropical and tropical regions of North America.
JUNE BUG DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 7 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | June 7 | Friday |
| 2025 | June 7 | Saturday |
| 2026 | June 7 | Sunday |
| 2027 | June 7 | Monday |
