June bug

American  

Or Junebug

noun

1. Also called May beetle.  any of several large, brown beetles of the genus Phyllophaga, of the scarab family, appearing in late spring and early summer.

2. green June beetle.

3. Chiefly Northern and North Midland U.S.  a firefly.

---

June bug British  

noun

1. Also called: May beetle.   May bug.  any of various large brown North American scarabaeid beetles that are common in late spring and early summer, esp any of the genus Polyphylla

---

Etymology

Origin of June bug

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

The only sound comes from green June bugs buzzing by her ears and children playing at the community center across the street.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike cicadas, June bugs are an annual nuisance.

From New York Times

June bugs, tailgates, sprawling skies, honking cars and all.

From New York Times

Tiny spiders and June bugs imitated real insects; breathtaking writing machines achieved perfect penmanship through mechanical means.

From Washington Post

Black bass to 3 pounds are fair on June bug red metal flake soft plastic worms and lizards flukes, and large swim baits.

From Washington Times