Red Clover

Red Clover - IUCN Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN

The red clover’s deep roots make them a drought tolerant wildflower

This perennial wildflower is called a Red Clover (State Flower of Vermont). They are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, these flowers have been naturalized in North and South America. They can grow to 31” tall. The red clover’s deep roots make them a drought tolerant wildflower.

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The beetle that is on the flower is a Japanese Beetle. As you guessed, this beetle is from Japan, and is not native to the United States. In Japan, these beetles are not a problem because they have natural predators that keep things in balance. In North America, these predators do not exist and the beetles are a real problem.

During their larval stage they eat the roots of grasses. Later in life as adults, they chew through plants. However, they only eat the leafy material between the veins. By the time they finish eating, the plant looks like a skeleton.

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These beetles have evolved to use pheromones to communicate. Just a refresher, “pheromones” are chemicals released by some animals. These “scents” can direct the behavior of other animals. In this case, Japanese beetles release pheromones when they are feeding. This signals the other Japanese beetles to come join in the feast. This is why you often see Japanese beetles feeding in groups.

Japanese beetles use pheremones to communicate

Fun Fact: Japanese beetles first appeared in the US in 1916 in New Jersey.

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Fun Fact: Japanese beetles live for 30-45 days on average.

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