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

Examples of Japanese beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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, 8 May 2026

Grubs, the larval stage of beetles such as Japanese beetles and June bugs, are notorious garden pests that feed on the roots of cherished plants and grass. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026

The odor masks the scent of animals' preferred vegetables and confuses insect pests, including aphids, carrot flies, cabbage worms and loopers, spider mites, thrips, and Japanese beetles. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 3 May 2026

Aromatic garlic deters many rose pests, including aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and deer. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026

Their tender new growth and high sap content create an easy feeding source for aphids, spider mites and Japanese beetles. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026

Among the most common pests drawn to rose bushes are aphids, spider mites and Japanese beetles. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Japanese beetle

• centripetal
• decretal
• varietal
• fetal
• foetal

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