Japanese beetle

noun

: a small metallic green and brown scarab beetle (Popillia japonica) that has been introduced into eastern North America from Japan and as a grub feeds on the roots of grasses and decaying vegetation and as an adult eats foliage and fruits

Illustration of Japanese beetle

Illustration of japanese beetle

Examples of Japanese beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Rabbits, deer, and Japanese beetles tend to avoid the same plants. 5. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2024 Many other turf-destroying grubs, such as Japanese beetles and chafers, also are large white grubs. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2024 Or plant chives, which repel Japanese beetles and carrot rust flies. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024 Mexican bean beetles, Japanese beetles, aphids, and leafhoppers are sometimes a problem. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2024 Pest control Unfortunately, Japanese beetles find basil leaves to their liking. Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 11 June 2024 State and county officials are on the lookout for Japanese beetles, which are considered pests. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 7 June 2024 Milky Spore, the product name for a biological control agent for Japanese beetle grubs, is a naturally occurring bacteria that infects the grubs and kills them. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2024 Common Pests & Plant Diseases Pest problems aren’t common for hydrangeas, but they can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and Japanese beetles. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 1 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Japanese beetle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Japanese beetle was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near Japanese beetle

Cite this Entry

“Japanese beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Japanese%20beetle. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Japanese beetle

noun
: a small glossy green and brown beetle introduced into America from Japan that as a grub feeds on the roots of grasses and on decaying vegetation and as an adult eats leaves, flowers, and fruits

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