Invasive SpeciesJapanese beetle

Popillia japonica
FOUND by Mainer95
2013-07-17
South Portland
ID Confirmed
Quality checked by PurpleCow
Peer reviewed by
Field Notes
There were two main reasons for my trip. First, it was beautiful outside (so why not go out and do a quick VS species observation). Second, I had visited this same plant last year, and I wanted to check back in on its growth. When I first pulled down Mosher St, I was a little concerned because I saw a big construction site and no Giant Knotweed (which, I guess, would have been a good thing). In any case, as I drove a bit further, I found the plant. It has not changed much n size since last year. Looking over my old observation, I almost think it hasn't changed at all. It was a nice excursion on a nice day!! I guess I will need to check in on the plant again next year, too!
Supporting Evidence
Photo of my evidence.
Isn't it lovely when you find one invasive species eating another invasive species? This Japanese beetle was a bonus find on my Giant knotweed trip. The beetle has the brown and green colors that are so clear on the Japanese beetle. It looks like it is beetle mating season, too!
Photo of my evidence.
You can also see the small white dots on the body around the back end.
Photo of my evidence.
Those are some hungry beetles! Look at all the damage they are doing to that leaf right there. All over the knotweed plant, I could see places where the leaves had been eaten away by Japanese beetles.
Species Observation: Species Looked For
Did you find it?: 
I think I found it
Scientific name:
Popillia japonica
Common name:
Japanese beetle
Sampling method: 
Just looking around
Photo of our sampling method.
Place Studied
We’re sorry, JavaScript is required to view the map. If JavaScript is you may wish to upgrade to a newer browser in order to view this map.
Map this species
Latitude: 
N 43.645903 °
Longitude: 
W -70.241764 °
Observation Site Information
A photo of our study site.
Habitat: 
Upland - Developed areas
Trip Information
Name:
Mosher Street (Revisited!)
Trip date: 
Wed, 2013-07-17 14:44
Town or city: 
South Portland
Type of investigation: 
Species Survey
Ecosystem: 
Upland
Watershed: 
Presumpscot
Login or register to post comments