Hey all, this is a native beetle here in Southern California. As the name implies, they love figs and other fruits. But they’re pretty benign little guys, noticeable by their metallic green color and their loud buzzing as they fly. But they have really found something they like on this flowering P. hillibrandii. The bees seem to tolerate them as well. Curious to see how well they act as pollinators..

Cant see why not, let them have there fun!

Dang! growing up here for 45 years we always called them June bugs and then later on Japanese beetles. I always assumed that they were introduced here. I never knew they were a native species. Time to get the sewing thread out and take one for a flight.

Steve, you're not wrong, although the "traditional" june bug around here is somewhat smaller, and tan colored. That is the genus Phyllophaga. The fig beetle was always referred to as the "Japanese fig beetle", hence the confusion. I thought they were an import as well. But no, they're native, from the genus Cotinis. Both harmless and non-destructive. No need to call in Dale Gribble.

33 minutes ago, quaman58 said:

Steve, you're not wrong, although the "traditional" june bug around here is somewhat smaller, and tan colored. That is the genus Phyllophaga. The fig beetle was always referred to as the "Japanese fig beetle", hence the confusion. I thought they were an import as well. But no, they're native, from the genus Cotinis. Both harmless and non-destructive. No need to call in Dale Gribble.

Yep.. Big, ...but perfectly harmless ..and actually really good composters.. Who cares if they eat some fruit too.

Because so many people freak out about them when seen locally in the Spring, Spadefoot Nursery in Tucson re posts a writeup they did about these guys to talk the fearful off their ledges. Turn up in the yard every so often this time of year up here as well. Know anyone w/ TX Sage in their gardens? ( Leucophyllum sps ) = not uncommon to find dozens / hundreds of Figeaters clamoring over the flowers when they bloom, ...here in AZ at least.

Of the 12 sub species, not sure if CA and AZ share the same one or not.





Difference between it and Japanese Beetle, ..which has only been observed a few times in CA ...so far at least..




As pointed out here👇, " May / June " bug = broad brush term for numerous native / some introduced / non -native ( ..to North America ) Beetle sps in several genus, many of which are common in CA.
https://www.palmtalk.org/forum/topic/94169-june-bugs-are-destroying-my-gutters/


FYI: Lined June Beetles ( Genus Polyphylla ) = the one that squeak when handled..

These dudes..





Great laugh when handed to folks w/ an unhealthy fear of bugs.

Fear of bugs in general = Lyrics from Basket Case come to mind, Every time.