Popillia japonica (Japanese Beetle)
This is not a friend of mine. Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are highly destructive plant pests. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “the Japanese beetle was first found in the United States in 1916 in southern New Jersey. Since then, it has spread throughout most of the country east of the Mississippi River, as well as areas in Arkansas, Iowa, and Missouri.”
I have to admit that I find their metallic green exoskeleton to be quite pretty but I equally admit that I rarely take the time to admire them. I’m usually more intent of killing as many of them as possible. Fiends.