Definition

Noun 1. A large, greenish beetle: A type of large beetle, specifically a June beetle, noted for its predominantly greenish coloration, found in the southern United States. 2. An insect species (Cotinis nitida): The common name for the species Cotinis nitida, a scarab beetle known for its buzzing flight and attraction to ripe fruit.

Usage Examples

• The green june beetle was loudly buzzing around the fig tree.
• Gardeners in the South often find green june beetles feeding on overripe peaches.
• A characteristic sight in late summer is the green june beetle clumsily flying near the ground.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used specifically in entomology and regional (Southern U.S.) descriptions of local fauna.
• It is often mentioned in the context of garden pests, as the larvae (grubs) can damage turfgrass roots, and adults may feed on fruit.

Variants and Related Words

• June beetle (n): A broader term for beetles in the subfamily Melolonthinae that appear around June. The green june beetle is one specific type.
• Fig eater (n): A common regional name for the green june beetle, derived from its habit of feeding on soft, ripe figs.
• Cotinis nitida (n): The scientific Latin name for the species.

Synonyms

• Fig beetle
• June bug (though this can refer to other, often brown, species)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is zoological, referring to the specific insect. It is not typically used metaphorically.
• The "green" in the name is a direct descriptor of the insect's common metallic green to yellow-green coloration.
• "June beetle" indicates its seasonal appearance, typically in early to midsummer.

Noun

1. large greenish June beetle of southern United States