*Note: This lab activity was submitted to Ward's Science by a third party educator for the sole purpose of sharing content and ideas
with other educators. Ward's Science is not affiliated with the author of this lesson plan. All product recommendations made by
Ward's Science are suggestions for completion or extension of the activity or topics addressed, but are not required to complete the
activity.
Genus Species: Popillia japonica
Diet: Japanese beetles are known to eat at least 300 different plant species
Habitat: Japanese beetles spend most of their lives in the soil as grubs. When they emerge in
early summer they spend their time on the green leafy foliage that is their main food source.
Habitats include gardens, woods and open meadows.
Japanese beetles are an invasive species introduced to North America in the early 19
th
century. They spread from New Jersey, where they were introduced via iris bulbs imported
from Asia, throughout most of North America. The beetles cause widespread flower and foliage
damage. The larval stage is also the most important consumer of turf grass in North America.
Crop damage estimates range from the millions to tens of millions of dollars in every state
infested with the beetles.
Despite the vast range of this insect pest, I could not find any suppliers on the internet.
There is an abundance of information about how to get rid of them, but no information on
acquiring them. This lab would have to be completed during the spring and summer when
beetle collection could be facilitated by the teacher.
Japanese beetle Lifecycle:
K-W-L:
1. What did students already know (K) about the topic?
Students were familiar with the scientific method. Students have a basic understanding
of insect behavior and anatomy.
2. What did students want to know about the topic?
Students wanted (W) to know whether Japanese beetles preferred one color of rose
over another.
