As an expert in the field of entomology, I can provide you with information on the natural predators of Japanese beetles. Japanese beetles, *Popillia japonica*, are invasive pests in North America, and they do have a number of natural predators that help to keep their populations in check in their native range in Asia.

In their native habitat, Japanese beetles are preyed upon by a variety of organisms, including:

1. Birds: Some bird species, such as the American robin and the cedar waxwing, are known to feed on Japanese beetles.

2. Parasitic Wasps: Wasps from the families like Braconidae and Scelionidae lay their eggs inside the larvae of Japanese beetles, and when the eggs hatch, the larvae consume the beetle's larvae from the inside.

3. Ground Beetles: These beetles, such as those from the Carabidae family, are predators of Japanese beetle larvae in the soil.

4. Tachinid Flies: The larvae of these flies are parasites that feed on the Japanese beetle larvae.

5. Pathogens: Certain fungi and bacteria can infect and kill Japanese beetles.

It's important to note that while these predators can help control Japanese beetle populations, they may not be as effective in non-native environments where the beetles have no natural enemies. In North America, efforts to control Japanese beetles often rely on introducing these natural predators from Asia, as well as using other biological control methods and pesticides.

read more >>

Vertebrate Predators. Birds such as grackles, meadowlarks, starlings, cardinals, and catbirds have been reported as significant predators of JB adults. In addition, pheasants, chickens, ducks, geese, and guineas readily feed on the beetles. Starlings, grackles, crows, and gulls also devour large numbers of JB larvae.read more >>