any insect of the genus Phyllophaga, belonging to the widely distributed, plant-feeding subfamily Melolonthinae (family Scarabaeidae, order Coleoptera). These red-brown beetles commonly appear in the Northern Hemisphere during warm spring evenings and are attracted to lights. The heavy-bodied June beetles vary from 12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 inch) and have shiny wing covers (elytra). They feed on foliage and flowers at night, sometimes causing considerable damage. June beetle larvae, called white grubs, are about 25 mm long and live in the soil. They can destroy crops (e.g., corn 【maize】, small grains, potatoes, strawberries), and they can kill lawns and pastures by severing the grasses from the roots.