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.

White Grub

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