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

Surveys of Japanese beetle infestation will determine if the quarantine area needs to be expanded or changed.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2022

Whether it's the Mexican bean beetle, the Japanese beetle, or the bean leaf beetle, your plant's biggest nemesis will likely be . . . the beetle.

From Salon • May 30, 2022

One reason this year feels intense is that the Japanese beetle experienced colony collapse in Iowa’s harsh 2013-14 winter.

From Washington Times • Jul. 22, 2017

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

As a result these Japanese beetle programs have caused shocking destruction of animal life and have exposed human beings to undeniable hazard.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson