Adult hoplia beetle and feeding damage. [J.K.Clark]

Hoplia beetle adults are small, reddish-brown scarab beetles that are often found resting inside a blossom. If you hold one in your hand, you'll notice that most of the body is a beautiful, iridescent silvery green color in the sunlight.

These beetles may also occasionally be found feeding on other plants with light-colored petals.

Some people believe they have the rose chafer or Japanese beetle in their landscape, however neither of these pests have populations in California.

Hoplia beetles are best managed using nonchemical controls such as handpicking. For more information on identification and management, see the UC IPM Pest Note: Hoplia Beetles.