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Grapevine Beetle

Pelidnota punctata[3]

The grapevine beetle (spotted pelidnota) is a robust, one-inch, tan to reddish-brown scarab beetle with three black spots on each wing cover; it feeds on grape leaves, comes to lights at night and is not considered a pest.[1][2]

Group
Insect
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Scarabaeidae
US records
36 states
Sources
3 cited
Updated
2026-10-16
Grapevine beetle, a tan scarab with black spots on its wing covers
Grapevine beetle, a tan scarab with black spots on its wing covers. Photo: Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago, public domain (CC0), via iNaturalist
On this page
  1. Identification
  2. Look-alikes
  3. Where it lives
  4. Biology
  5. Damage and signs
  6. Health risk
  7. Control
  8. Related profiles
  9. Common questions
  10. Sources

How to identify it

  • About 1 inch long, oval and robust, tan to reddish brown, with three small black spots on each wing cover (six in all).[1][2]
  • It resembles a June beetle but is more closely related to Japanese beetles.[1][2]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
June beetlesSimilar shape, but grapevine beetles are lighter tan with distinct black spots.[1][2]
Hermit flower beetleAnother large scarab drawn to lights, but dark brown and flatter on top.[1]

Where it lives

Found in wooded areas and sites next to them; common in Minnesota and Iowa.[1][2]

US map: public records from 36 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Adults are active in July and August and are attracted to lights, so they show up around homes even without grapes.[1]

Larvae are large white grubs living in well-rotted hardwood stumps and logs.[1][2]

Damage and signs

  • Adults feed mainly on grape leaves and sometimes willow, poplar and oak leaves, but usually cause little damage.[1][2]

Health risk

Harmless to people and pets.[1]

Control

Traps and physical control

No control is needed; handpick beetles from grapevines if they become numerous.[1][2]

Common questions

What is the big tan beetle with black spots at my porch light?
Often a grapevine beetle (spotted pelidnota).[1][2]
Will it ruin my grapes?
No; it eats some grape leaves but usually does little damage.[1][2]
Does it bite?
No; it is harmless.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Minnesota Extension, “Scarab beetles: hermit flower beetle and grape pelidnota (reviewed 2018).” extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scarab-beetles (accessed 2026-10-16)
  2. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (Yard and Garden), “Spotted Grapevine Beetles (reviewed July 2026).” yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/spotted-grapevine-beetles (accessed 2026-10-16)
  3. iNaturalist, “Pelidnota punctata taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/48259 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-16. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.