Green June Beetle Grubs: Why They're Crossing Your Road (and Driveway)

Those Large, Crawling Grubs on the Pavement

If you've seen plump, white grubs with a distinctive "crawling on their backs" motion crossing streets or driveways at night, you're witnessing the larvae of the Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida). These grubs are unmistakable—they move by undulating on their backs, legs waving, looking like a cross between a maggot and a caterpillar.

What They're Doing Above Ground

Green June Beetle grubs normally feed on thatch, decaying organic matter, and roots in the soil. But they're famous for nocturnal surface migrations, especially after rain or irrigation. They may travel considerable distances—sometimes ending up in pools by the hundreds.

Life Cycle Overview

• Summer: Adults (metallic green, ~1 inch) lay eggs in soil.
• Fall: Grubs hatch and feed near the surface.
• Winter: They burrow deeper to overwinter.
• Spring: Resume feeding; pupate in early summer.

Do You Need to Treat?

Usually no. These grubs are minor lawn pests. Their tunneling can actually aerate soil. Large numbers may cause some thinning, but they rarely justify insecticide use. If they're a nuisance on pavement, simply sweep or hose them off.