Pest profile

Figeater Beetle

Cotinis mutabilis (green fruit beetle, figeater) · Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae[2]

The figeater is a large metallic green beetle drawn to ripe fruit; its grubs live harmlessly in compost and manure piles.[1]

Figeater beetle, a large metallic green scarab, resting on grass blades
Figeater beetle, a large metallic green scarab, resting on grass blades. (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Adults are 3/4 to 1-1/3 inches long, metallic green with brown or tan wing-cover edges and no visible hairs on top.[1]
  • A short horn on the face sets it apart from look-alikes.[1]
  • Grubs grow to 2 inches and, when exposed, roll on their backs and crawl using stiff hairs.[1]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
Japanese beetleJapanese beetles are half the size or less and have 12 tufts of white hair around the abdomen.[1]
Green June beetleThe eastern green June beetle is nearly identical but smaller on average; in California it's reported only in the south.[1]

Where it lives

UC IPM calls it an occasional pest of ripe fruit in California; adults fly long distances toward ripe fruit, manure and fermenting fruit.[1]

US map: public records from 6 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Females lay eggs just under the surface of compost, grass clippings, mulch and manure; eggs hatch in about a week.[1]

Grubs overwinter, pupate in spring, and adults are around from late spring to early fall; one generation a year.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Adults feed on ripe apricots, caneberries, figs, grapes, peaches and plums.[1]
  • Grubs don't damage plants; they feed on decaying organic matter.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on fruit and organic matter; UC IPM mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Prevention

Choose early-ripening varieties, harvest early and pick up fallen fruit.[1]

Sanitation

Thinly spread or remove compost, clippings, leaves and manure near fruit trees, or compost in screened bins and turn piles often.[1]

Traps and physical control

Homemade traps baited with diluted grape or peach juice catch some adults; UC IPM recommends no insecticide.[1]

Common questions

What are the big green beetles on my figs?
Most likely figeater beetles, attracted to ripe and fermenting fruit.[1]
Is this a Japanese beetle?
No. Japanese beetles are much smaller with white hair tufts; report suspected ones in California to the county agricultural commissioner.[1]

Sources

  1. University of California Statewide IPM Program, “Green Fruit Beetle (Pests in Gardens and Landscapes).” ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/PESTS/grfruitbeetle.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Cotinis mutabilis taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/57665 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.