What are those big green beetles that buzz around all summer?
From early summer through fall, the erratic and clumsy flight of a large green beetle can be seen throughout the county. This insect is called the green fruit beetle or figeater. Producing a loud buzzing sound while in flight, this 1 1/4-inch beetle appears drab green bordered in yellow or brown from above and bright iridescent green from below. Often confused with the much smaller and destructive Japanese beetle, which has yet to become permanently established in San Diego, the figeater causes little economic damage and is not controlled in California. Control of the figeater should be attempted during the larval stage: turn over their compost and manure hatcheries to expose the grubs to birds and predatory insects. This is an inexpensive and safe alternative to chemical control. See our Field Guide for more about the figeater beetle.
