June beetle

Description:

Cotinis nitida, also known as the green beetle, is a beetle of the family Scarabaeidae. It occurs in the southeastern part of the United States. It is not easily distinguished from the related southwestern species, Cotinis mutabilis. The green beetle is active during daylight hours. The adult is usually 15–22 mm long with dull, metallic green wings; its sides are gold and the head, legs and underside are very bright shiny green. Their habitat extends from Maine to Georgia, and as far west as Kansas, with possible population crossover in Texas with their western cousin, the figeater beetle. The green beetle is harmless; however, the larvae are considered pests when they cause damage to lawns.