Their habitat extends from New Brunswick to Georgia, and as far west as California, with possible population crossover in Texas with their western cousin, the figeater beetle.

The green June beetle is a part of the Scarabaeidae family, with defining characteristics such as modified forewings called elytra sinuate, and a prominent mesosternum.

The Cotinis genus is separated by the male species having a small horn on the lower portion of the face (clypeus).

The fully grown larva color is glassy yellowish white shading toward green or blue at the head and tail.

The underground speed is considered more rapid than any other known genus of Scarabaeidae in the United States and is comparable to that of the hairy caterpillar.

The larvae feed largely on humus and mold but can do considerable damage to plant root systems.

The pupal stage occurs in an oval cocoon constructed of dirt particles fastened together by a viscid fluid excreted by the larva.

The adult beetle will feed upon a variety of fruits including berries, grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, pears and figs.

[4] Adult beetles are often eaten by birds, including robins, blue jays, and brown thrashers.

The flesh fly (Sarcophaga helicobia) has been observed to prey on both the larval and adult stage of the June beetle.

Birds, notably the American crow, common grackle, northern mockingbird and blue jay, will also attack the adult.

The geographic range of Cotinis nitida extends across the eastern United States and Canada, with its highest abundance in the South.

They can be found from New Brunswick to Georgia and westward as far as California, with possible population overlap with their western cousin, the figeater beetle (Cotinis mutabilis).

The warmer months provide an organic matter in the soil that the females place the eggs in, which allows the green June beetle larvae to feed after they hatch.