White Grub
Scientific Name: Phyllophaga ssp. (most common genus)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Scarabaeidae
Size: 1/2 inch to 1.5 inches (12mm to 38mm) depending on species and maturity.

Natural Habitat
Underground in soil, often found beneath lawns, gardens, and pastures where larvae feed on roots.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on organic matter and the roots of various grasses and plants; adults feed on the foliage and flowers of trees and shrubs.
Behavior Patterns
They exhibit a characteristic C-shaped body. Larvae live underground for 1 to 3 years before pupating and emerging as adult May or June beetles.
Risks & Benefits
Considers a major lawn and garden pest as they can destroy root systems leading to dead patches of grass. They provide a food source for birds, skunks, and other wildlife, though these animals may further damage lawns while digging for them.
Identified on: 1/12/2026