Japanese beetle

American  

noun

1. a small beetle, Popillia japonica, of the scarab family, introduced into the eastern U.S. from Japan, the adult of which feeds on the foliage of fruit and other trees, and the larva of which feeds on plant roots.

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Japanese beetle British  

noun

1. a scarabaeid beetle, Popillia japonica, that eats the leaves and fruits of various plants: accidentally introduced into the US from Japan

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Etymology

Origin of Japanese beetle

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“If the Japanese beetle becomes permanently established in Washington state, it could pose a significant economic threat to the state’s agricultural industries,” said Greg Haubrich, pest program manager for WSDA, at the quarantine public hearing.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2022

Have your Japanese beetle traps lined up once the adults emerge and appear in your neighborhood, and get floating row covers for vegetable plants.

From Salon • Aug. 8, 2021

The vineyards are sprayed for mold, mildew, and this year, a Japanese beetle infestation.

From Washington Times • Dec. 17, 2016

After high school, Peter Gerety worked for the New Jersey Transportation Department and the federal Agriculture Department, at one point inspecting cars at the Connecticut border during a Japanese beetle infestation.

From New York Times • Sep. 27, 2016

One was the fire ant eradication program in the South; the other was the spraying for the Japanese beetle in the Midwest.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson