Soil bug experts, what are these?

Eric Frei · 21st August 2007, 05:22 PM

They're big, and they ain't witchetty grubs!

Also if you know what they are, what they do, why they are there and if/how to kill them.

Sean Freeman · 21st August 2007, 05:45 PM

African black beetles - Commonly these beetles attack lawns, vegetables and ornamental plants. In summer the beetles and their grubs feed on the roots of the lawn causing large dead patches. The adult beetles are most active in mating time, which occurs in early spring and late summer

Try here Gardenet: African Black Beetle

Eric Frei · 21st August 2007, 05:59 PM

I thought so, beetle larvae.

Also known as cockchafers.

Never seen ones this big and fat.

Could be a number of beetles larvae not just that one, rhino beetle, christmas beetle etc.

Kill them with Confidor, you tend to find them in pot plants a lot, doubt they'd do much to a tree, they're not borers, but they'd eat fine roots.

Ugly buggers, not even the green ants wanted to eat them.

21st August 2007, 05:22 PM	#1
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,996	Soil bug experts, what are these? They're big, and they ain't witchetty grubs! Also if you know what they are, what they do, why they are there and if/how to kill them. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

21st August 2007, 05:59 PM	#3
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,996	I thought so, beetle larvae. Also known as cockchafers. Never seen ones this big and fat. Could be a number of beetles larvae not just that one, rhino beetle, christmas beetle etc. Kill them with Confidor, you tend to find them in pot plants a lot, doubt they'd do much to a tree, they're not borers, but they'd eat fine roots. Ugly buggers, not even the green ants wanted to eat them. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

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21st August 2007, 05:45 PM	#2
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	African black beetles - Commonly these beetles attack lawns, vegetables and ornamental plants. In summer the beetles and their grubs feed on the roots of the lawn causing large dead patches. The adult beetles are most active in mating time, which occurs in early spring and late summer Try here Gardenet: African Black Beetle