The Invasive Iridescent Menace: Italy's Battle Against the Japanese Beetle The Japanese beetle, native to Japan, has been making its way through northern Italy's vineyards and orchards.
This voracious pest consumes and weakens plants, reducing production and rendering some grapes unusable. Winemakers like Luciano Zoppo Ronzero are at their wit's end.
The beetles' arrival is a nightmare scenario for those who produce Nebbiolo from historic terraced vines in Donnas.