What types of grubs you can expect in your garden
The larvae of scarab beetles are called grubs. This superfamily within the order of the beetles comprises a large number of species and genera - currently the steadily expanding numbers are around 35,000 species and 2,500 genera worldwide. Of course, not all of them are found in Germany.
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Species and (sub) families known to us are mainly:
- Dung beetles
- Cockchafer
- June beetle
- Stag beetle
- Rose chafer
- Garden beetle
- Rhinoceros beetle
Of these, the May and June beetles, garden leaf beetles, rose beetles and rhinoceros beetles are the main ones in the garden.
Why is the distinction so important?
Being able to differentiate between the grub species is useful for both smart gardening and general nature conservation. Because the beetle larvae are harmful or useful for the garden, depending on the species. In addition, some - useful - species enjoy a special protection status under the Federal Nature Conservation Act. These include rose and rhinoceros beetles in particular. Harming, capturing, or killing them in any of their forms is under severe punishment.
Distinguishing features of the different species
White grubs can be identified with a practiced eye on the one hand by their appearance, but on the other hand by their way of life and behavior.
Cockchafer grubs
They are among the most damaging species of grubs that attack the roots of living plants such as grass or vegetables such as lettuce, kohlrabi and beets. The larvae reach an average length of about 5-6 centimeters and are typically C-shaped. The abdomen is only slightly thickened and dark in contrast to the otherwise yellowish-light body. In front behind the brown-colored head, 3 pairs of legs with typical kinks are attached. Because they only feed on living plant material, they are never found on compost heaps.
June beetle grubs
June beetle grubs are difficult to distinguish from cockchafer grubs. However, due to their harmfulness, they must be treated in the same way. At 5-7 centimeters, they can be slightly larger, but have more or less the same color - they can best be distinguished from cockchafer grubs by their mode of locomotion: in contrast to the cockchafer larvae, which creep sideways and meander, they move June beetle larvae on their stomach.
Garden beetle grubs
The larvae of the garden beetle, which is also harmful, are very small: they only reach about one centimeter in length. The adult beetles are even smaller. Due to their small size, however, their harmful effects are also negligible.
Rose chafer grubs
The larvae of the rose beetle, which are useful because they eat dead material, are medium-sized at around 3 centimeters in length. Your abdomen is not thickened, but rather tapers a little. The front pairs of legs are very short. Overall, they have a very thick-fleshed body. The color is completely beige-yellow. Their movement in the supine position is characteristic and interesting.
Rhinoceros beetle grubs
They are the largest of the grubs that can be found in this country: they can be up to an impressive 10 centimeters long. Another distinguishing feature, but negligible in view of the striking size, is the lack of a row of thorns on the abdomen.
