Beetle Larvae
Scientific group or name: Coleoptera
Overview
Beetle larvae include grubs, wireworms, weevil larvae and leaf-feeding forms. They are not one pest group from a management perspective, so identification is essential.
Host plants
Roots, foliage, stems, seeds and organic growing media, depending on species.
Identification
Larvae vary greatly. Some are C-shaped with legs, some are long and hard-bodied, and weevil larvae are often pale, curved and legless.
Damage and symptoms
Depending on species, larvae may chew roots, bore into stems, feed inside seeds or remove foliage.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Risk depends on crop history, soil or substrate type, surrounding vegetation and the adult beetle's breeding cycle.
Monitoring
Inspect the exact feeding site and record body shape, legs, head colour, size and host. Preserve specimens for identification.
Management
Do not treat unidentified beetle larvae as one pest. Use crop hygiene, clean planting material, cultivation or exclusion according to the confirmed species.
Biological control and natural enemies
Entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi can control certain beetle larvae, but species, larval stage, temperature and application zone must match.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
Vine Weevil · Wireworm · Chafer Grubs
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.