White Grub (Scarab Beetle Larva)
Scientific Name: Phyllophaga spp. (typically identifies June Bugs, May Beetles, or Masked Chafers)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Scarabaeidae
Size: 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 to 38 mm) depending on species and developmental stage.
Natural Habitat
Found underground in the soil of lawns, gardens, pastures, and flower beds.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on the organic matter in soil and the roots of grasses, ornamental plants, and vegetable crops.
Behavior Patterns
They exhibit a C-shaped posture when disturbed. The larvae spend 1 to 3 years underground before pupating and emerging as adult beetles. They are most active near the soil surface during spring and fall.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: They are significant horticultural pests that can cause dead patches in lawns and kill garden plants by destroying root systems. Benefit: They serve as a vital food source for birds, skunks, and other wildlife, and contribute to soil aeration.
Identified on: 3/9/2026