# Oriental Beetle (*Exomala orientalis*) The Oriental Beetle is a small, shiny bug that loves to munch on plants. They have a unique dark color with light spots, making them easy to spot in gardens and parks! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 35 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Oriental Beetle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Day_200_-_Oriental_Beetle_-_Exomala_orientalis%252C_Woodbridge%252C_Virginia.jpg&width=800) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Day_200_-_Oriental_Beetle_-_Exomala_orientalis%252C_Woodbridge%252C_Virginia.jpg) ## Appearance The Oriental Beetle has a shiny, oval body, typically light brown to straw-colored. Its head and thorax are often darker, ranging from black to dark brown, sometimes with subtle patterns. It lacks the metallic green head and coppery wing covers of the similar Japanese beetle. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Scarabaeidae - **Genus:** Exomala ## Interesting facts - Wow! Adult beetles are strongly attracted to bright lights on warm summer nights! - Wow! Their babies are C-shaped grubs that live munching on roots underground! - Wow! They belong to the huge scarab beetle family, known for shiny bodies! - Wow! They sometimes play dead by flipping onto their backs if they get scared! ## Special abilities - **Aerial Explorer:** Oriental Beetle can fly using its strong wings, which helps them find food and new places to live. - **Underground Diggers:** Oriental Beetle larvae can burrow into soil because of their strong mandibles, protecting them from danger. - **Scent Detectives:** Oriental Beetle has sensitive antennae that help them smell out plants and find mates in the dark. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 16-22 mm - **Size:** 8-11 mm - **Lifespan:** 20-45 days - **Flight Speed:** 5-10 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These beetles munch on roots as grubs and feast on flowers and leaves as adults. - **Age differences:** Larvae (grubs) eat plant roots, while adults feed on flowers and foliage. - **Primary Foods:** grass roots, flower petals, plant foliage, soft fruits - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Kentucky Bluegrass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kentucky-bluegrass) (*Poa pratensis*) — Grubs cause damage by feeding on its roots. - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Robins frequently dig up and eat beetle grubs. - **Parasitizes:** Spring Tiphia Wasp (*Tiphia vernalis*) — Wasp larvae develop inside Oriental beetle grubs. ## Traits - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be gentle and watch where you step; insects are small and can be easily hurt. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Oriental Beetle? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Oriental Beetle's wingspan? 16-22 mm ### How big is Oriental Beetle? 8-11 mm ### How long does Oriental Beetle live? 20-45 days ### How fast can Oriental Beetle fly? 5-10 km/h ### What does Oriental Beetle eat? These beetles munch on roots as grubs and feast on flowers and leaves as adults. ### Where is Oriental Beetle usually found? Urban areas ### How does Oriental Beetle hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Anderson University](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/anderson-university) — South Carolina, US · Campus - [Blackstone Boulevard–Cole Avenue–Grotto Avenue Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/blackstone-boulevard-cole-avenue-grotto-avenue-historic-district) — Rhode Island, US · Historic District - [Brookfield Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brookfield-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [Cape Charles Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cape-charles-historic-district) — US · Historic District - [Cedar Brook Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cedar-brook-park) — New Jersey, US · Park - [Cedarmere-Clayton Estates](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cedarmere-clayton-estates) — New York, US · Historic District [View all places to see Oriental Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/oriental-beetle) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Oriental Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oriental-beetle)