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

Other major pests the program has monitored this year include the apple maggot, Japanese beetle and spongy moth.

From Seattle Times

“WSDA conducted another treatment for Japanese beetles this spring and hopes to see a further decline in beetles next year.”

From Seattle Times

The original quarantine area, formally approved in September, is part of a three-pronged effort to eradicate Japanese beetles, an invasive pest that eats more than 300 types of plants, including roses, grapes and hops.

From Seattle Times

He is not talking about invasive species like spongy moth caterpillars or Japanese beetles; those he doesn’t celebrate.

From Seattle Times

In the kitchen, a reclaimed formica tabletop hosts several dinner settings arranged with intricate chopsticks, delicate Japanese bowls and, of course, plastic Japanese beetles.

From Los Angeles Times