White Grub Pest
Holotrichia spp.
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameWhite Grub Pest
DescriptionWhite grubs are C-shaped larvae of scarab beetles that feed on plant roots underground. Learn to identify damage and control these destructive soil pests.
TypeInsect
FamilyScarabaeidae
GenusHolotrichia
TribeMelolonthini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderColeoptera
SubfamilyMelolonthinae
Features
- Named for their distinctive creamy-white color and plump, C-shaped bodies. They are the larval stage of various scarab beetles, including June beetles and May beetles
- Plump, 6-legged larvae with a brownish head and a darker, soil-filled rear end. Always found curled in a 'C' shape in the soil
- Feed exclusively underground on the roots and root hairs of various plants. They sever the roots, preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients
- Initial symptoms are yellowing and wilting, especially during the day. Severely affected plants can be easily pulled from the soil because their root system has been destroyed
- Beetles lay eggs in the soil during early rains. Larvae hatch and feed on roots throughout the growing season. They overwinter deep in the soil
- Mature larvae can reach 25-30 mm in length. Large enough to be easily seen when tilling soil
- Most active and damaging during the rainy season when soil is moist. Prefer soils with high organic matter
- Attack a wide variety of crops including peanuts, sugarcane, maize, sorghum, pulses, and many lawn grasses
- Deep summer plowing exposes larvae to birds and the hot sun. Avoid heavy application of undecomposed manure which attracts egg-laying beetles
- Apply beneficial nematodes or Metarhizium anisopliae (fungal biocontrol) to the soil. Hand-collection during plowing is very effective
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificHolotrichia spp.
English (Alternate)Scarab grub, June bug larva
Hindiಸಫೇದ್ ಗಿಂಡಾರ್ (Safed gindar)
Tamilವೇರ್ ಪುಳು (Ver puzhu), ವೆಳ್ಳೈ ಪುಳು (Vellai puzhu)
Teluguವೇರು ಪುರುಗು (Veru purugu), ತೆಲ್ಲ ಪುರುಗು (Tella purugu)
Malayalamವೆಳ್ಳಪ್ಪುಳು (Vellappuzhu)
Kannadaಬೇರು ಹುಳು (Beru hulu)
Sanskritಶ್ವೇತ-ಕೃಮಿ (Shveta-krimi)
Bengaliಸಾದಾ ಲೆಡಾ ಪೋಕ (Sada leda poka)
Frenchver blanc
Russianಲಿಚಿಂಕಾ ಮೈಸ್ಕೋಗೊ ಜುಕಾ (lichinka mayskogo zhuka)
Spanishgallina ciega, chisa
GermanEngerling
