Grubby

beneath the turf

coiled packet of protein

beetling about

Last week I was working on our front walkway and part of the process included lifting and removing some grass. Lo and behold, I discovered the meaty beetle larvae, known as grubs. These insects are common in lawns (and other habitats) but not seen as larvae unless you dig about a bit. These grubs are distinctive, and common, and full of protein. Surely many of the birds you see pecking about your lawn are looking for these tasty treats. I’ve heard they can be yummy to eat, and while I have not tried them, I suspect if you are lost in the woods without food, they are a relatively easy source of protein. I hope to not have to test that theory!

Insects are, of course, everywhere and so many species have interesting life cycles. These grubs will feed on the tender roots of grasses, and emerge later in the summer as adult beetles, and some species will then fly about and munch on the leaves or flowers that might be found in other parts of your garden or yard. “May beetles” or “June beetles” have these grubby larvae, and will often land on your front porch if you leave your light on in the evening. They are distinctive, chunky scarab beetles.

Some species within the group are invasive/introduced and can cause quite a lot of damage. So, while their larval existence is quiet, solitary and out-of-sight, they can be pests as adults (and, while some of the larvae are true pests of turf grass too, although the ones in my lawn are not really damaging my weed-filled lawn!).

© Christopher M Buddle 2024