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.