: 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
Examples of Japanese beetle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
How To Identify Japanese Beetles Japanese beetles are about 5/16 to 7/16-inches long and have metallic green bodies with coppery-brown wing covers.—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025 This tactic also works well for pests like cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and Japanese beetles that are often tricky to manage with soap sprays.—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
: 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
Share