What Kind Of Beetles In North Carolina?

North Carolina is home to a diverse beetle fauna, including ground, scarab, and longhorn species. The largest beetle species, the black turpentine beetle, is found in abundance in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, particularly after drought. There are 213 North Carolina beetles in the InsectIdentification. org database, with adult beetles having metallic blue-green or copper-green colors.

The state also has 10 other species in this group, all of which occur in the North Carolina mountains or on the ridges forming the border between the state and other states. Common beetles include the six-spotted Green Tiger Beetle, Cicindela sexguttata, Eastern Hercules Beetle, Dynastes tityus, Ox Beetle, Strategus antaeus, Pan-American, Big-headed Tiger Beetle, Megacephala, Acorn Weevil, American Carrion Beetle, American Oil Beetle, Andrew’s Snail-eating Beetle, and Ant-like Longhorn Beetle.

The majority of beetles collected (>95%) were of eight species from five tribes: Carabini, Cicindelini, Harpalini, Pterostichini, and Zabrini. Other types of beetles include Asian Lady Beetle, Black Carpet Beetle, Cigarette Beetles, Elm Leaf Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer Ground Beetle, and Japanese Beetle.

North Carolina Beetle Photos by Will Cook, mostly taken in North Carolina, showcase the diverse beetle species in the state. Recommended insect ID books for North Carolina beetles include Coleoptera (Beetles) and Buprestidae.

Is A Green Beetle Good Or Bad?

Green June beetles, or Cotinis mutabilis, are known for occasionally becoming pests of fruit, particularly figs. Their large, white grubs, which are edible, can sometimes be found in significant numbers on sidewalks and driveways. While green June beetles themselves are attractive and harmless to humans, they can negatively impact gardens and crops, especially when their populations are not controlled. Many beetle species are nocturnal, but some are active during the day and employ various defense mechanisms like camouflage.

Though metallic green beetles may look harmless, they are often considered pests, feeding on developing crops which can harm garden soils. It's essential for homeowners to distinguish between different types of "white grubs," such as June bugs, green June beetles, and Japanese beetles, as they are distinct species. Identifying which beetles are damaging gardens is crucial for effective management. While green June beetles pose a challenge, they do not bite or sting; instead, they are attracted to the sap and nectar of flowers.

Despite some beetles being beneficial, they are rare exceptions. Because their feeding can damage lawns, crops, and gardens, green June beetles are often viewed as pests. Understanding their life cycle and behavior is key to controlling their impact.

What Do Ground Beetles Eat In North Carolina?

The larvae of certain beetles feed on various plants like dandelions, thistles, and clovers, while adults, known as the lily bug, target flowers resembling lilies. North Carolina boasts many beetle species, including the Green June beetle, prevalent from mid to late summer and sometimes considered pests of figs. Green June beetle grubs are large and edible. The Ground Beetles of North Carolina guide features a range of beetles, including Tiger Beetles and Fireflies, detailing their abundance, distribution, and active periods.

Woodland ground beetles are particularly abundant, with over 350 species thriving in diverse habitats across every continent. The large Green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) is notable for its clumsiness in flight, often bumping into people and objects while feeding on fruits like figs and peaches. The BeetleIdentification. org database lists 213 beetle species in North Carolina, which can be refined by color or physical features. Agricultural environments, though simplified, host several ground beetle species that prey on pests like caterpillars and aphids and consume weed seeds.

Ground beetles are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small flies, slugs, ants, and a variety of other invertebrates and insects. They play a crucial role in pest control by naturally managing populations of caterpillars, aphids, and other garden pests. Ground beetles are predominantly active at night and are attracted to lights. Their beneficial predation supports the ecosystem by maintaining a balance among insect populations.

What Is The Largest Beetle In North Carolina?

The giant stag beetle, a member of the Lucanidae family, captures attention with its impressive size and distinctive long mouthparts resembling antlers. Among North Carolina's beetle species, the black turpentine beetle stands out as the largest, reaching lengths between 5/16 to almost 3/8 inch, often found in abundance in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions, particularly post-drought. Its robust, barrel-shaped body typically exhibits a brownish to black coloration. Notably, this species is the largest bark beetle preying on pine trees, identifiable by its brown to purple pitch tubes and grubs that feed in groups beneath pine bark.

Another prominent beetle is the eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus), recognized as the largest beetle in the United States, reaching up to 2. 4 inches in size. Males possess a striking curved horn, while females do not. Also noteworthy is the Japanese beetle, which significantly damages plants in North Carolina during June.

The biodiversity of North Carolina boasts an array of beetle species, with a total of 213 recorded in the BeetleIdentification. org database. This rich collection can be explored further through pictures, identification tips, and conservation information. The giant stag beetle, specifically the male Lucanus elaphus, is an excellent example of North America's largest beetle, showcasing the region's remarkable insect diversity. Beetle enthusiasts can delve deeper by examining species systematically listed by family or scientific names alongside territories in North Carolina.

Are Scarites Ground Beetles Common In North Carolina?

Scarites ground beetles are prevalent in North Carolina, recognizable by their rough, convex thorax and black-banded antennae. Their head and pronotum exhibit a glossy black appearance with a striking green or blue metallic sheen. Often labeled as "bloodsucking" beetles, Scarites ground beetles primarily feed on other insects and can transmit diseases such as typhus, though they do not suck blood from humans or livestock.

These beetles are among the most prolific in the state, contributing significantly to the diverse beetle population listed in the InsectIdentification. org database, which organizes species alphabetically.

Ground beetles, also known as carabid beetles or carabids, are beneficial yet frequently overlooked insects in agricultural settings. They typically reside in or on the soil and are mostly active during nighttime, which contributes to their underappreciation. While some beetles are restricted by environmental factors like climate, mating behaviors, and food availability, others, including those in North Carolina, have expanded their range across much of North America.

North Carolina hosts beetles from various families, including ground, scarab, and longhorn beetles. The black turpentine beetle, the largest species, is widespread across the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions, especially thriving after droughts. Out of thirty-six recognized carabid tribes, nine are commonly found in eastern North Carolina's agricultural fields. Scarites ground beetles typically measure between 0. 5 to 1.

1 inches (14mm to 30mm) and are identified by their black color, slender waist, lined and ridged bodies, prominent jaws, and long, stag-like mouthparts. Sexual dimorphism is not obvious in Scarites, making sex determination challenging without other indicators.

Additionally, North Carolina is home to other significant insects like the Eastern Bumble Bee, a crucial pollinator found in various habitats such as fields, woodlands, and gardens. Publications by David Orr and Geoff Balme in 2023 provide illustrated keys and guides to identifying ground beetles in eastern North Carolina, highlighting species like S. subterraneus and S. quadriceps, which are also present in regions ranging from the Caribbean to Central America and across North America. The state’s beetle diversity includes species like the Acorn Weevil, American Carrion Beetle, and Scarlet Lily Beetle, among others, emphasizing the rich entomological landscape of North Carolina.

Are June Beetles Good Or Bad?

June bugs, also known as June beetles or May beetles, are a type of beetle that play a significant role in local ecosystems as a healthy food source for various animals and insects. Species such as dung beetles, June beetles, and Japanese beetles fall under this category. While beneficial to wildlife—including lizards, birds, frogs, and rodents—June bugs can be a nuisance to homeowners by damaging plants and properties.

They are particularly problematic in gardens, lawns, and agricultural areas, where they can destroy crops like corn, small grains, potatoes, and strawberries, and even kill lawns and pastures by severing grasses.

June bugs are typically velveted green with orange or rust stripes and range from half an inch to one inch in length. Their peak activity occurs in June, which is the origin of their common name. Although they are harmless to humans, as they cannot bite, sting, or carry diseases, their larvae, or grubs, can cause significant damage by feeding on the roots of various plants. These grubs are larger than those of other beetles, making them more attractive to predators such as skunks and raccoons.

Managing June beetles involves identifying their presence and employing non-insecticidal control methods. Effective strategies include monitoring plant health, encouraging natural predators, and maintaining garden cleanliness to reduce breeding sites. Not all beetles are detrimental; beneficial species like ladybugs, tiger beetles, and soldier beetles help control pests like aphids. Despite their potential to disrupt gardens and landscapes, June bugs are not endangered and remain abundant. Balancing their ecological benefits with their impact on human activities is essential for maintaining healthy environments.

Are There Stag Beetles In North Carolina?

The Strawberry Root Weevil (Otiorhynchus ovatus) is prevalent in Eastern Canada, New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, and North Carolina. This pest feeds on over 100 plant species, including economically important strawberry plants, making it crucial for growers to monitor and manage its presence. The weevil is highly adaptable, surviving in diverse environments such as cities, grasslands, gardens, farms, and forests where sufficient foliage is available.

North Carolina is home to a remarkably diverse beetle fauna, with over 7, 000 species documented and 213 listed in the BeetleIdentification. org database. Among these, stag beetles (Lucanus spp.) are particularly notable. The giant stag beetle, also known as the elephant stag beetle, inhabits the woodlands of North Carolina, extending from Virginia west to Oklahoma. These beetles are medium to large, characterized by their prominent mandibles, which are significantly larger in males compared to females. Stag beetle larvae develop in decaying wood of logs and stumps, contributing to decomposition without harming live trees.

Furthermore, North Carolina hosts over 350 species of woodland ground beetles that occupy a range of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. These ground beetles play ecological roles by preying on slugs, snails, earthworms, and other small invertebrates. The state's beetle diversity extends to species such as the Flower Longhorn Beetle, Four-spot Sap Beetle, Fungus Weevil, Glowworm, and Gold-and-brown Rove Beetle, among others.

The largest stag beetle in the region, Lucanus elaphus, is found in South Carolina forests and is one of seven Lucanid species in the area. Additionally, some beetle species, including stag beetles, are kept as pets due to their striking appearance. Information and resources on these beetles are accessible through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and online databases like BeetleIdentification.

org, which provide identification tools, images, and detailed species information. North Carolina's rich beetle population underscores the state's diverse habitats and ecological complexity, making it a significant area for entomological study and biodiversity conservation.

How Many Beetles Are There In North Carolina?

Beetles are prevalent across the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, with 213 species recorded in North Carolina according to BeetleIdentification. org. The state hosts a remarkable diversity, with over 5, 000 documented beetle species. One of the most abundant groups is the woodland ground beetles, which numbers over 350 described species, residing in various habitats from forests to meadows. These beetles predominantly feed on slugs, snails, earthworms, and similar invertebrates.

A selection of common beetles in North Carolina includes species like the Six-spotted Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata), Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus), and Ox Beetle (Strategus antaeus). Furthermore, programs like the NC Biodiversity project aim to catalogue the diversity of beetles in the region, which is important for pest control and ecological studies.

While many state parks in western North Carolina have partially reopened as of September 23, 2024, notable parks like Chimney Rock and Mount Mitchell are still closed indefinitely. Alongside beetles, 1, 410 insect species are documented in North Carolina, emphasizing the state’s rich insect diversity. The BeetleIdentification. org database serves as a valuable resource for identifying and learning about these insects.

What Attracts Green June Beetles?

June bugs, also known as June beetles or May beetles, are primarily nocturnal, resting during the day and becoming active in the evening. Homeowners should keep windows closed during May and June to avoid these pests, which are attracted to light. Once they emerge from the soil as adults, they tend to gravitate towards fruit trees and bushes, posing a potential threat to fruit growers. Fortunately, natural predators, such as the parasitic wasp Scolia dubia, can help manage Green June Beetle populations.

These beetles thrive in various habitats, including forests, meadows, and suburban areas, and have a one-year life cycle, overwintering as mature larvae (grubs). Adults emerge in late June and are often seen flying during the day. Their noise is notable, and females emit signals to attract males for mating.

An increased presence of June bugs often correlates with a heavy infestation of grubs in lawns rich in thatch. They are particularly drawn to ripe, decaying fruits and compost piles, leading to potential damage to landscape plants. Green June beetles have a striking metallic appearance and are notorious for their attraction to overripe fruits, corn tassels, and oak and maple tree leaves. Furthermore, their larvae feed on decaying organic matter in the soil, contributing to the lifecycle that threatens garden plants and fruit crops alike. Monitoring and controlling their populations is crucial to safeguard gardens and yards.