Bug Identifier
White Grub (Larva of May/June Beetle)
Community identification

White Grub (Larva of May/June Beetle)

Phyllophaga spp.

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera; Family: Scarabaeidae
Size
Typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 to 38 mm) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found underground in garden soil, lawns, and under turf grass; often prevalent in rich, moist soil with plant roots.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds primarily on the roots of grasses, ornamental plants, and vegetable crops, as well as decaying organic matter.

Behavior Patterns

C-shaped larvae that live in the soil and undergo complete metamorphosis. They remain underground for 1 to 3 years before emerging as adult beetles. They are most active near the surface during late spring and summer.

Risks & Benefits

Mostly considered a pest as they can destroy lawns and plant roots, leading to brown patches and plant death; however, they serve as a food source for birds and small mammals like skunks and moles.