May beetle or Junebug

Scientific name: Phyllophaga sp.
(Coleoptera: Scarabeidae)

Facts: The genus Phyllophaga is a large one in Texas with about 150 species. Identification to species is difficult. In addition there are several other genera that are similar in appearance. The larvae feed on roots of grasses and other plants and they can cause damage in lawns and crops. Even though the genus name means "leaf feeding" the adults do not cause damage very often. These common insects are easily collected under lights in the spring and early summer.

Photo credit:  G. McIlveen, Jr.