Asiatic Beetle May 2026

The ( Maladera formosae , formerly Maladera castanea ) is a nocturnal scarab beetle introduced from Asia that has become a significant agricultural and garden pest in North America. Smaller than the common Japanese beetle, it is characterized by its cinnamon-brown or mahogany color and a velvety, dull finish on its wing covers. Identification and Appearance

: Adults chew irregular notches and ragged holes in the leaves and petals of over 100 plant species, including asters, dahlias, and roses . Unlike Japanese beetles, they do not skeletonize leaves. asiatic beetle

: These beetles are roughly the size of a coffee bean, measuring about 3/8 to 1/2 inch long. They have a stout, rounded, cinnamon-brown body and are frequently found gathering around light sources at night. The ( Maladera formosae , formerly Maladera castanea