Scarab Grub (White Grub)

Natural Habitat

Below ground, typically found in soil, under decaying logs, or in compost. They prefer moist, organic-rich environments.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feed on decaying organic matter, roots of grasses, crops, and other plants. Some species are also known to consume manure.

Behavior Patterns

Scarab grubs are the larval stage of scarab beetles. They are C-shaped, soft-bodied, and typically white or off-white with a brown head capsule and three pairs of legs. They move slowly through the soil, feeding continuously to grow. Their life cycle usually lasts one to three years, with most of this time spent as a grub underground. They pupate in the soil before emerging as adult beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can be significant pests in agriculture and horticulture, feeding on the roots of turfgrass, vegetables, and ornamental plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of plants. Benefits: Some species play a role in decomposition, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in the soil. They also serve as a food source for various birds, mammals, and other insects.

Identified on: 10/18/2025