Japanese Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Invasion of North America: History, Ecology, and Management

The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, was accidentally introduced to the United States from Asia in the early 1900s. First detected in a New Jersey nursery, it is currently established in 28 states in the United States and has been detected in 13 additional states, 3 Canadian provinces, and at least 3 European nations. Adult beetles feed on over 300 host plant species, including many agricultural commodities such as fruits, field crops, and ornamentals, often causing severe economic damage. We discuss invasion history, ecology, biology, and management options for this invasive pest species in North America.