The grubs are deadly. When fig beetle eggs hatch, the grubs/larvae feed on decomposing material. Unfortunately, they also feed voraciously on the finer plant feeder roots.

The fig beetle (Cotinus mutabilis), also known as figeater, June beetle, green fruit beetle, or June bug, isn’t as harmful as you might expect. The adults that are plentiful now are seeking nectar.

Fig beetle (Cotinis mutabilis, family Scarabaeidae) adults are large metallic-green beetles that measure up to 1 ⅓ inches long. Their habitat is the Southwestern United States and Mexico.

Q: In your column the other week, you discussed fig beetles and how to control them. I have a different type of beetle that is eating my figs but it’s not a fig beetle.

Russell closed by offering this tip: “Should you remove your fig trees, the beetles will tend to leave your garden alone and the grub issue will be resolved. You can also plant trees with fruit ...

After writing about the fig beetle – a shiny green scarab beetle that feeds on overripe fruit and decomposing organic matter – I received the following email from Elizabeth Russell, who gardens in ...