Iridescent green-and-copper beetles that feed on foliage and flowers in summer, skeletonizing leaves and damaging ornamentals and food crops.
In plain terms
Japanese beetles are shiny, metallic beetles that appear in early summer and feed on leaves (leaving lacy, skeletonized patterns) and flowers. They're visible, easy to hand-pick, and populations peak midsummer. They're most damaging on ornamental plants and some vegetables; less damage to vegetables because plants are more vigorous. Traps, netting, and hand-picking are more effective than sprays.
Why this matters
Japanese beetles are more of an ornamental problem than a food crop threat. Hand-picking is often the easiest, most effective control.
In practice
Examples
Ornamental linden tree with heavy Japanese beetle damage; hand-picking reduces population; pheromone trap nearby catches more.