Specimens have been collected from Maine across to Nebraska and California. The northern masked chafer usually attacks cool season turf, especially if Japanese beetle grubs have been suppressed. Both species attack the roots of field crops such as wheat, oats and corn. The adults do not feed. Damage Symptoms Turf begins to show drought stress in late summer into fall or spring and does not rapidly recover after rain or irrigation.
Heavy infestations result in turf dying in irregular patches.
Birds, skunks, raccoons and opossums commonly dig up turf around the dead patches. Moles may tunnel extensively where grub populations are high. Infested turf feels spongy under foot and is easily lifted because of the absence of roots. The adults do not feed on ornamental plants or turf. Description of Stages Masked Chafers have a typical annual scarab life cycle with a complete metamorphosis.