We have this beetle every year, in the light colored roses and the Mexican primrose. The destruction is incredible. We 'beetlejuice' by hand every day and need to find another solution, save dynamiting the yard or nuking all the bugs, good and bad. Is this a Japanese Beetle? They dont have the white tuffs like the Japanese ones do.... thanks you bug id'ers!!
True Japanese Beetles have four tiny claws on their hind legs, and it looks like your beetle doesn't, from here anyway.
But I bet it's in the same family, Scarabaeidae. Have you looked into using milky spore/nematodes to control them? They attack the beetle larvae in the soil. Maybe ask people in your area what they're doing, i.e. county ag. extension agent, other gardeners etc.
Claypa, that is one my list, we would REALLY like to get rid of these. Thanks!!
Our local buggies (thank you, Master Gardener Intern of Mariposa!!!!!) found out that this is a Hoplia callipyge, Scarabaeidae family. Handpicking recommended, sprays are not effective, sigh........
Maybe you could put this critter in BugFiles; there are other beetles in this genus there but no pictures. Yours is great, it looks like a wanted poster!!
I'd still try some insecticidal soap
i see i'm too late. the Hoplia beetle is common to california but we have them here in florida too, on my roses every spring, especially the yellow and white ones.
