How to Manage Pests

Seasonal development and life cycle—Green fruit beetle

Green fruit beetle adults are large beetles, 1.25 inches long and 5/8 inch wide. They are strong fliers and disperse far distances. They feed on fruits and vegetables, preferring those that are damaged or decayed. Adults mate and lay oval, white eggs in the soil just beneath organic matter. Eggs are laid singly. Eggs hatch 1 week later into a C-shaped grub. Grubs spend most of the year at varying depths in the soil. They move near the surface on warm days and feeding takes place on decaying organic matter. They especially favor manure and compost piles. As the soil warms in late May, grubs pupate in the soil. From July until October, adults begin to emerge from the soil. There is one generation a year.