Larvae feed in the roots of grasses and other herbaceous vegetation until fall, when they move deeper into the soil to overwinter. There is only one generation per year. Control - Controls are seldom needed. Insecticide treatments for tip moths and other pests normally provide adequate suppression. The beetles are easily killed by insecticide sprays if a problem does develop, although timing of sprays is critical.
Many growers treat damage after the beetle is gone.
The pine chafer, Anomala oblivia Horn, has been observed damaging Christmas trees in Georgia, especially in north Georgia. It has not been a serious problem. It attacks various species of pine but does not appear to favor the ones commonly grown as Christmas trees. They have a greenish-bronze head and thorax, and dark tan to brown wing covers. Female beetles are dark tan and about 9 mm long.