I found three of these critters while digging a very shallow hole. I also found several other pupa-like things in the same area, so I am guessing they might be a different stage of the same critter? Please excuse my ignorance of correct terminology, but I’m hoping you can help me ID these guys, and let me know if they are friend or foe. Thanks in advance.
This message was edited Oct 16, 2008 12:37 PM
another shot:
from above:
These were in the same area, and the pointy end was moving around in a circle:
several "hanging out" in a container, until I can figure out if they are friend or foe.
These are two entirely different insects - the larvae are white grubs, immature stages of beetles in the family Scarabaeidae. Some of these, such as the Japanese beetle, can be quite serious turf pests - see http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2500.html
The pupae are moths, possibly in the family Noctuidae. There are several species in this family, as well as some in the family Sphingidae, whose larvae burrow into the ground to pupate.
Thanks so much for your prompt IDs, Suunto!
Wow! What a busy little section of earth I chose to dig in this morning. I was simply digging a hole for a small plant, and came across all those grubs and pupae. I went back and dug around some more after posting these pics, but didn't find other insects around. Whew.
