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

Now is the time to get ahead of the swarms by controlling bagworms, aphids, whiteflies, stinkbugs, and Japanese beetles. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 31 May 2026

Its aromatic oils are known to deter pests like thrips, aphids, whiteflies, and Japanese beetles, which commonly target bean plants. —Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 27 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

Tree borers, aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles frequently target apple, peach, and other fruit trees. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 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