Hosts:

Although adult beetles apparently do little feeding, they have occasionally been found feeding on the petals of daisies and other flowers including roses, phlox and petunia. Larvae feed on the roots of turfgrasses, perennial plants, weeds, nursery stock and potted or containerized plants.

 

Commodities Affected:
Forestry and Natural Areas, Nursery, Ornamentals, and Turf

 

Threat:

Adults begin to emerge in late June and may continue to emerge into September.  However, the majority of adult emergence takes place in July. Adults are capable of causing minor damage to an assortment of flowering plants, but are particularly attracted to daisies. By late July, larvae are actively feeding on soil organic matter and plant roots. Larval feeding can cause serious damage to turfgrass and ornamental plants and has been known to damage fully grown nursery stock and containerized plants.  

 

Distribution:

The oriental beetle was introduced into North America from Japan during the early 20th century and was first detected in Connecticut in 1920. Since then, it has expanded its range mainly by being transported in the soil of nursery stock. Oriental beetle is now present in most of New England, and has moved westward to Ohio and as far south as South Carolina. The Oriental beetle is not known to occur in Indiana.