Figeater Beetles

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HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1376028590	Reply with quote #1

I hadn't heard of these insects until earlier today when a friend about 100 miles south of me reported his first encounter with this problem. Searching the Internet shows they have been found in many cities in California, more in SoCal than NorCal, so I'm surprised I hadn't heard of them before. Also, I only found one mention of them in passing at F4F (from a member who had had no experience with them), which is also surprising. This insect is large and loud and my friend says they are scary despite experience with such things as dealing with skunks and raccoons many times. This video is sort of funny with the calm voice the lady uses, seems she's got pretty used to them. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

jenniferarino83

Registered:1335709464
Posts: 1,076

Posted 1376029432	Reply with quote #2

I think they are June Bettles aka "June bugs" __________________ Jennifer A. Brown Wishlist: NONE Boise ID ZONE 5

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1376029722	Reply with quote #3

So much for perfect location for figs. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1376029989	Reply with quote #4

I think they are different, from what I've read. Figeater: http://bugguide.net/node/view/456299 June bug: https://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg139.html Different genus and species. This says they are often confused: theambitiousseed.blogspot.com/2012/08/todays-lesson-know-they-enemy-figeater.html Edit: the Junebug link above is for the green junebug, Wikipedia shows a different junebug in the same genus but still a different species: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figeater_beetle __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1376045224	Reply with quote #5

it seems they are more an issue in SW US and mexico. __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1376056941	Reply with quote #6

My friend has typically put down a layer of bark several inches thick all around his fruit tree area in his back yard and that may provide a habitat for the larvae. Chickens would probably help if he was up for that. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

GregMartin

Registered:1370378358
Posts: 550

Posted 1376058407	Reply with quote #7

Yikes! I hope they can't survive in Maine and never get here. We have enough bugs. Japanese beetles eat my peaches just like that, they mound over one and eat it until it's just a pit before they move on to another. __________________ zone 5 Maine Seeking: Saint Martin, Naples White, Black Tuscan, Bécane, French Alps, Abruzzi, Tenica, Wild Mountain Figs from the coldest corners (Iranian, Turkish or other...would love seeds too)

jimmychao

Registered:1347690066
Posts: 285

Posted 1376082697	Reply with quote #8

I saw one in my yard last week. __________________ Jimmy Northern NJ - zone 6 ebay ID: jillji Wish List: Aubique Petite, Japanese White, Jolly Tiger, Maltese Beauty, Norland, San Giovanni...

nullzero

Registered:1282324889
Posts: 206

Posted 1376084540	Reply with quote #9

They are a problem in SoCal, they love peaches and will eat any other soft skinned fruit that is sweet. Luckily they are big and clumsy and easy to spot and kill. Even a bird net will be able to stop most of them.

Fatnsassytexan

Registered:1237045017
Posts: 740

Posted 1376084863	Reply with quote #10

I believe they are called Mexican Fruit Beetles and I have only seen one here on a fig tree. I have the regular brown June Bugs. They are two different species of the same beetle if my memory is correct. They lay eggs that become grubs. I've even found them(the grubs) in my potted plants & trees, but they are the brown type and cause no damage to figs here. I know they like to gnaw on rose leaves though. __________________ Tim Southeast Texas Zone 9 Wish List:Noire de Caromb, Maltese Beauty,Socorro Black, Others especially tight eyed varieties.

awsfigs

Registered:1373214042
Posts: 40

Posted 1376085874	Reply with quote #11

Quote: Originally Posted by Fatnsassytexan I believe they are called Mexican Fruit Beetles and I have only seen one here on a fig tree. I have the regular brown June Bugs. They are two different species of the same beetle if my memory is correct. They lay eggs that become grubs. I've even found them(the grubs) in my potted plants & trees, but they are the brown type and cause no damage to figs here. I know they like to gnaw on rose leaves though. Thanks for the info... I saw a few just now ... Good to know they are harmless to figs, but they sure do like roses! Ann Zone 6 PP. Ohio __________________ ~Ann~ Zone 6 Pepper Pike, Ohio Wish list:

pitangadiego

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Registered:1188871011
Posts: 5,447

Posted 1376087909	Reply with quote #12

Beetles __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1376100108	Reply with quote #13

Figeater beetle is Cotinis mutabilis Green June Beetle is Continis nitida At http://bugguide.net/node/view/29926 I see Cotinis mutabilis has a synonym common name of green fruit beetle. No other synonyms are listed, though regional names are probably likely. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

jtp

Registered:1271516015
Posts: 980

Posted 1376100506	Reply with quote #14

I saw these at a local nursery. They look like Japanese beetles on steroids. And they absolutely devoured the trees there. Suffice to say, I bought nothing, afraid something would come home with me.

Smaritza

Registered:1357076942
Posts: 319

Posted 1376100760	Reply with quote #15

I am convinced this is what killed my peach tree. It also scared me so much that I ran inside my house!! Lol! __________________ Smaritza Bronx, NY Wishing for: Ronde de Bordeaux, Aubique Petit, Pananas Purple, Longue d Aout, Lebanese Red, Ischia Black, Scott's Black, Martineca Rimada, Tarantella, Jolly Tiger, Nero,

jtp

Registered:1271516015
Posts: 980

Posted 1376100832	Reply with quote #16

They look like the scarabs that deflesh people in "The Mummy."

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1376100892	Reply with quote #17

saw one late last yr. squashed that one. haven't seen one since. if i don't know what it is, i squash it first then think about what it was later. __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

nkesh099

Registered:1267670012
Posts: 863

Posted 1376122805	Reply with quote #18

Had never seen those bugs till this year. Have killed at least two dozens of them. They are much larger than Japanese Bettles. They release a highly unpleasant odor, when you have them in your hands. Navid.

pitangadiego

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Registered:1188871011
Posts: 5,447

Posted 1376146224	Reply with quote #19

The are called fig beetles, banana beetles, peach beetles, nectarine beetles, etc. Just depends on what they are eating. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

Pattee

Registered:1345750012
Posts: 1,417

Posted 1376147404	Reply with quote #20

Too bad they aren't beetle beetles! __________________ 7a & 9b ►I assume all my figs carry FMV ◄ Seeking : Italian 376,395 , Galicia Negra, Negretta,UNK Pastilliere ,Pananas Purple, Malta Blk+purple/red, Italian + Calabrian UNK's , Catanzaro, Malone, Sucrette(Baud) "We may have our private opinions but why should they be a bar to the meeting of hearts?" - Gandhi

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1376148818	Reply with quote #21

Navid, I don't think I'd be putting these in my hand. I'd probably knock them off the tree and hit them with a shot of wasp/hornet spray. IMO, the wasp spray that Home Depot sells in the black and white can is the best and I think it works on most any insect. It works well when I go out at night with a flashlight to hunt for black widow spiders, for sure. That's the best time to hunt for wasps also. These beetles are supposedly only active during the day so I don't know where they'd be at night. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

gorgi

Registered:1188888396
Posts: 2,864

Posted 1376151212	Reply with quote #22

>>> I'd probably knock them off the tree... If you manage to do that, try catching them in some container half filled with water and some plain dishwasher soap. They will drown and die within seconds. I used to do that with Japanese Beetles. Also with Flour Moths. Both tend to dive-down when dreaded. __________________ George, NJ_z7a.

pitangadiego

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Posts: 5,447

Posted 1376157931	Reply with quote #23

You can tie a string to one of their legs, and fly them sort of like a kite. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1376158157	Reply with quote #24

Quote: Originally Posted by pitangadiego You can tie a string to one of their legs, and fly them sort of like a kite. Spits iced tea all over monitor. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

Gr8Figs

Registered:1326598203
Posts: 204

Posted 1376173973	Reply with quote #25

In 2012, I had a major problem with June bugs(as they are called in the South) due to the rain and associated spoiling during ripening. 1) Pick any damaged or spoiled fruit daily and feed to chickens or dispose of away from the fig trees. 2) Catch the June bugs in a jar with some water in the bottom to keep them from flying out of the jar.This helps when catching Kudzu bugs too.The June bugs tend to fall straight down from a fig or leaf that they are holding onto before starting to move their wings and fly away.When startled they spray a stench that will ruin the figs so try to be careful when capturing them. I picked a gallon of June bugs a couple times last year :( . Chickens will eat them in moderation.They are supposed to be a good catfish bait. A gallon of them in a container is a stink that you won't forget. This year, I had a dozen or so show up at the beginning of July,but there weren't any ripe figs due to the rainy cold spring so they haven't been a problem yet in my area. __________________ Barry Northeast Georgia 8a Wish List:Medium-Small Size,Dark Cold Hardy Figs Low Temperature of 4F in 2015,17F in 2016

pitangadiego

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Registered:1188871011
Posts: 5,447

Posted 1376191155	Reply with quote #26

Bird net with 3/8" opening keeps them out. 1/2" opening keeps most of them out. When a few get through the 1/2" openings, just shake the tree a little bit, and then they land on the net to try and escape, smack them with a large serving spoon. That kills them. I have quite a pile around my Vista tree, which is their favorite. Have to give them credit for having good taste. Later they will focus on the Panache. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

nkesh099

Registered:1267670012
Posts: 863

Posted 1376776007	Reply with quote #27

Harvey, Took these photos few days ago. After raining for two days, some of the figs that were close to being ripe, did split. Found this guy on one the figs. Navid. Attached Images photo_(20).JPG (318.69 KB, 47 views) photo_(22).JPG (772.32 KB, 51 views) photo_(24).JPG (1020.23 KB, 44 views)

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1376788510	Reply with quote #28

Navid, glad you only found one! Even more glad I've found none! ;) __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

Ruuting

Registered:1359310699
Posts: 613

Posted 1376792229	Reply with quote #29

"You can tie a string to one of their legs, and fly them sort of like a kite. " __________________ Jon, that gave me a flashback. We used to do that with a similar Beatle when we were kids. 5 or 6 feet of mom's sewing thread - check! Ripening cherry tree - check! We'd give the tree a good thump, and these guys would drop. We'd rush to them before they could take to the air. ...I hope Francisco reads this post...we called that bug Zangao. It was hours of fun. When they got tired of flying, we'd cut them loose and kick the tree again. Jon, are you sure you're not Portuguese? __________________ Rui Southeast CT, zone 6B

BronxFigs

Registered:1333154764
Posts: 1,864

Posted 1376823015	Reply with quote #30

Saw these beetles for the first time, in the Pelham Gardens area of The Bronx. Not a great sight to see them devouring the figs on the tree. They have wings, and they fly. I live within a few miles from this de-figged tree. How long will it take before they start to really spread? Note: This one tree is the only one that I have ever seen that had a fig-beetle problem. Watch out Smaritza! Frank __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

Gr8Figs

Registered:1326598203
Posts: 204

Posted 1377495430	Reply with quote #31

The June bugs showed up and ate about 6 partially ripe HC figs while I was busy elsewhere for a few days. Attached Images June_BugsA960.jpg (85.41 KB, 17 views) June_BugsB960.jpg (89.23 KB, 16 views) __________________ Barry Northeast Georgia 8a Wish List:Medium-Small Size,Dark Cold Hardy Figs Low Temperature of 4F in 2015,17F in 2016

Smaritza

Registered:1357076942
Posts: 319

Posted 1377510522	Reply with quote #32

Quote: Originally Posted by BronxFigs Saw these beetles for the first time, in the Pelham Gardens area of The Bronx. Not a great sight to see them devouring the figs on the tree. They have wings, and they fly. I live within a few miles from this de-figged tree. How long will it take before they start to really spread? Note: This one tree is the only one that I have ever seen that had a fig-beetle problem. <br><br>Watch out Smaritza!<br><br><br>Frank<br><br> Thanks Frank! After the big swipe I now have my fruiting fig trees in cage with a big net draped over them. So I should be ok. Keeping my fingers crossed. __________________ Smaritza Bronx, NY Wishing for: Ronde de Bordeaux, Aubique Petit, Pananas Purple, Longue d Aout, Lebanese Red, Ischia Black, Scott's Black, Martineca Rimada, Tarantella, Jolly Tiger, Nero,

Centurion

Registered:1293429646
Posts: 810

Posted 1377549515	Reply with quote #33

Do you suppose this could be why importing potentially infected cuttings from other countries and even some states is so actively discouraged by the FDA? __________________ Dave Verde Valley, AZ Zone 8

svanessa

Registered:1189292564
Posts: 905

Posted 1377555993	Reply with quote #34

June beetle on a string... __________________ Sue Zone 9B, 1946' Ramona, CA San Diego County

Probability_Density

Registered:1441565404
Posts: 1

Posted 1441566281	Reply with quote #35

What? No, Figeater beetles are pretty harmless as far as most insects go. I'm very surprised and, quite frankly, shocked and disappointed with some of these posts. Figeater beetles do not cause nearly as much damage as the closely related Japanese beetles and Green June beetles. They are not considered pests and have no regulations placed on their populations by the US. You should at least learn to respect all life. If they're causing problems in your garden, try to resort to natural and humane solutions before using violence. Some of the things that you people have resorted to, i.e. trapping and drowning etc. are all pretty disgusting. Just saying, hope you all have a great day.

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1441646721	Reply with quote #36

I found one of these beetles in my orchard last year and thought it was the beginning of something bad, but that was the extent of it. This year I've seen none. Sometimes these can be a serious pest, not something most would consider harmless. My friend who sent me the photo in the original post of this thread was losing most of his fruit to them at that time. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

Frankallen

Registered:1371842383
Posts: 994

Posted 1441655510	Reply with quote #37

Quote: Originally Posted by Probability_Density What? No, Figeater beetles are pretty harmless as far as most insects go. I'm very surprised and, quite frankly, shocked and disappointed with some of these posts. Figeater beetles do not cause nearly as much damage as the closely related Japanese beetles and Green June beetles. They are not considered pests and have no regulations placed on their populations by the US. You should at least learn to respect all life. If they're causing problems in your garden, try to resort to natural and humane solutions before using violence. Some of the things that you people have resorted to, i.e. trapping and drowning etc. are all pretty disgusting. Just saying, hope you all have a great day. Your first post and this is it? Why are you here? If these Beetles get on my Figs, I will kill them for sure!! __________________ Frank from Bama- Zone 7-b Alabama .................................................... "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever". Mahatma Gandhi

Mario_1

Registered:1398299123
Posts: 407

Posted 1441667441	Reply with quote #38

Frank I agree with you, the nerve her first post? __________________ Wallingford CT, USA zone 6a would be happy to meet and get together with other members near me Wish list; Any fig from any specific place anywhere in Italy

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