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Science & Nature • Insects

Grapevine beetle

The grapevine beetle is the common name for *Pelidnota punctata*, a North American scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The grapevine beetle (Pelidnota punctata) is a North American scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae. It is also known as the spotted June beetle or spotted pelidnota. Adults feed mainly on grape leaves and other foliage, but they are usually not considered a major pest.

Taxonomy and naming

Pelidnota punctata is a species of beetle in the family Scarabaeidae and subfamily Rutelinae. Its common names include grapevine beetle, spotted June beetle, and spotted pelidnota.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to the Nearctic region and is widespread in eastern and central North America. It is associated with woodlands, thickets, gardens, and vineyards, especially where grapevines and decaying wood are present.

Life cycle and feeding

Adults are active in summer and feed on the foliage of grapevines and other plants. The larvae, or grubs, develop in rotting logs and other decaying wood rather than in living vines.

Relationship with grapevines

Despite its name, the grapevine beetle is usually not a serious grape pest. Outbreaks can cause noticeable defoliation, but most sources describe its overall impact as limited.

Key facts

  • The grapevine beetle is a scarab beetle species in the genus Pelidnota.
  • It is native to North America and is reported from eastern Canada and much of the eastern and central United States.
  • Adults are large, often visible in summer, and are associated with grapevines and woodland habitats.
  • Larvae develop in decaying wood such as rotting logs and stumps.
  • The species is sometimes called the spotted June beetle because of its appearance and seasonality.
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Canadian context

The species is reported from eastern Canada, including Ontario, and has been noted in Canadian grape-growing areas.

Frequently asked questions

What is the grapevine beetle?
It is a beetle species, Pelidnota punctata, in the scarab family Scarabaeidae.
Why is it called the grapevine beetle?
The name comes from the adults’ association with grapevines, which they feed on.
Is the grapevine beetle a serious pest?
Usually no. It may feed on grape leaves and sometimes cause defoliation, but it is generally considered a minor pest.
Where is the grapevine beetle found?
It is native to North America, especially eastern and central regions of the United States and Canada.
What do grapevine beetle larvae eat?
The larvae develop in decaying wood such as rotting logs and stumps.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelidnota_punctata
    Supports: Scientific name, common names, and family/subfamily placement.
  2. Animal Diversity Web — https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pelidnota_punctata/
    Supports: Native range, habitat, diet, and pest status, including Canadian occurrence.
  3. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Field Station — https://uwm.edu/field-station/bug-of-the-week/grapevine-beetle/
    Supports: Common names, habitats, and feeding on grape and Virginia creeper; larvae in rotting wood.
  4. Virginia Museum of Natural History — https://www.vmnh.net/article/the-grapevine-beetle-pelidnota-punctata/7-19-2020
    Supports: Distribution, summer adult emergence, and larval feeding in decaying logs and stumps.
  5. Iowa State University Extension — https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2008/7-30/grapevinebeetle.html
    Supports: Adult appearance, feeding on grape foliage, and larvae as grubs in rotted wood.