Illinois’ June Bugs: Why They’re Here In May, June, July, August

We're into the 3rd week of the month of July, but "June Bugs" that were here in May are still hanging around my backyard.

Those bugs are here in May. They're here in June. They're also still here in the month of July, and will be here in August, too. Illinois gets these little brown-shelled guys every single summer for a whole summer, but we still insist on calling them June bugs.

Our dog Buddy has been on high alert for over two months as he watches these seemingly suicidal, brown-colored, shelled bugs buzz flying crazily around while they bang into the siding, overhang, and outdoor light multiple times.

Here in July, more and more of this bug's family and friends have been showing up (usually with a plus-one), so let's find out why what we call June bugs (that are here in May) still keep showing up in abundance even when May, June, and July are long gone.

macro photography of brown and black beetle

It Turns Out That The Answer To Why Illinois June Bugs Will Still Be Hanging Around In July And August Is Even More Confusing When You Learn That June Bugs Are Also Called...Wait For It...May Bugs

Well, how convenient. Thanks a lot, entomologists. They're also called June beetles, or May beetles. Time to add "July beetles" to the mix.

To make these things even harder to properly identify, it turns out that there are about 300 species of beetle. The ones that we're seeing here in Northern Illinois right now are primarily the Phyllophaga species or "leaf eaters."

PlanetNatural.com:

The Phyllophaga species is often mistaken for cockroaches due to their hard, dark, and shiny bodies. This species is nocturnal and identified by its dark brown exterior, six legs, hairy underbelly, and antennae. Adult June bugs can measure up to an inch and are found in the evenings, flying around light sources or plants.

Another beetle commonly called a June bug or Japanese beetle is the Popillia Japonica species. This species is a slightly smaller June bug variety that measures around half an inch long, has iridescent copper wings and body, and a green head and thorax.

A japanese beetle rests on a white flower petal.

Bottom Line: May/June/July/August Bugs/Beetles Can Be A Pain In The Butt

And they don't even bite or sting. They're also harmless to your pets. If your dog should eat one or more, the worst you can expect is some digestive discomfort and possible vomiting.
Here's more on what you can do if you've got a bunch of them around your place: