The Beetle species known as the May beetle; ( or more commonly) the June bug,
ranges in size from 3/4 to 1 3/8 inches in length, is bulky and has a shiny, reddish
brown - almost black coloration.  The head, pronotum, and elytra are usually without
markings or grooves.  The hind wings are well developed for flying and the familiar
buzzing flight was celebrated by William Shakespeare as " the shard-borne chafer
with his drowsy hum."

                    May Beetle

May Beetles inhabit deciduous forests and grasslands throughout North America and
adults exist on foliage while the larva feeds on tree roots, shrubs and herbs.

The female constructs earthen cells for 50-100 cylindrical white eggs, which hatch in
2-3 weeks.  Larvae feed slowly, taking up to 3 years before pupating in their incubation
cell below the soil surface.  Adults emerge in late spring and decend , in droves, on homes,
businesses and any other establishment that is brightly lit.

Other than being a nuisance, these beetles do not pose a danger to humans and animals,
nor do they cause damage to structures;  but as everyone can attest , in late spring and
early summer, these beetles are one of our most bothersome insect problems.  One cannot
go outside without having the May beetle buzzing around them and becoming entangled
in their hair.  Luckily for us ( not the beetle), they have a short life span and usually by
late summer they are gone.

       Ten-Lined June Beetle

A close relative of the May beetle is the Ten-Lined beetle which is brown with a white
mark on each side of the head, one broader stripe down the middle of the pronotum and
one short and four long white stripes on each elytron.

This species has similar habits and food preferences to the may beetle, is found in basically
the same habitat, and range from 1 to 1 3/8 inches long.  They are found from Kansas and
New Mexico to California and north to British Columbia.

Egg laying characteristics are similar to the May beetle, with eggs being laid in soil near a
handy food source such as tree roots or herbs.  The adults emerge in July.