Bug Identifier
Scarab Beetle Larva (White Grub)
Community identification

Scarab Beetle Larva (White Grub)

Family Scarabaeidae

Order & Family
Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae
Size
20 to 50 mm (0.8 to 2 inches) depending on species and growth stage
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Underground in soil, lawns, gardens, compost heaps, and decaying wood.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds underground on plant roots, organic matter, and rotting wood.

Behavior Patterns

Typically curls into a characteristic C-shape when disturbed. Spends its larval phase buried subterraneanly before pupating into an adult beetle.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: In large numbers, grubs can cause significant damage to turfgrass lawns, crops, and garden plant roots. Benefits: Helps break down organic material in soil and provides a crucial food source for birds, mammals, and beneficial predatory insects.