September 28, 2022

Grass grub

Grass grub

Grass grub are found throughout New Zealand. 

The adult form is the common brown beetle which can be seen at dawn and dusk in late spring/early summer.

The larvae eat plant roots, damaging pasture, orchards and vineyards. 

In pasture, the grubs feed on the roots causing tell-tale dead patches or yellowed alreas.

They difficult to contrls as they are usually found about 13-17 cm below ground in small tunnels (about 1/2 cm wide).

The adult beetles also damage fruit trees by feeding on the leaves.