Topic: what is this grub please?

[LinnetLegs]

I have seen this photo someone posted http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=1315 and wondered what the grub is. I keep finding them on my allotment when I am digging.

[.]

  larval stage of the Cockchafer Beetle

[chriscross1966]

You might think of it as "grub" but I wouldn't eat it.....

[LinnetLegs]

You might think of it as "grub" but I wouldn't eat it.....

lol - it doesn't look that tasty

[LinnetLegs]

  larval stage of the Cockchafer Beetle

so do I leave them or kill them?

[.]

 
 To be discouraged.

 No recipe but... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockchafer

[BarriedaleNick]

Ah that's one of mine.
They are Stag beetle larvae - quite rare and should be left alone.  

http://images.google.co.uk/images?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&tbs=isch%3A1&&ei=z_aPS_WPOpTG4gbb46j9DA&sa=X&oi=spellfullpage&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=2&&q=stag+beetle+larvae&spell=1&start=0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stag_beetle
They live in rotting wood and are quite harmless - a privilege to have in your garden!

[LinnetLegs]

Ah that's one of mine.
They are Stag beetle larvae - quite rare and should be left alone.  

http://images.google.co.uk/images?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&tbs=isch%3A1&&ei=z_aPS_WPOpTG4gbb46j9DA&sa=X&oi=spellfullpage&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=2&&q=stag+beetle+larvae&spell=1&start=0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stag_beetle
They live in rotting wood and are quite harmless - a privilege to have in your garden!

Yes it was your photo - thanks for the info. I have seen about half a dozen.

[LinnetLegs]

so are stag beetles and cockchaffers the same thing?

Sorry to be a bit thick about this...............

[BarriedaleNick]

After doing a bit more research it is important to distinguish between the two larvae.  The Stag is concidered a friend while the cockchafer can damage roots and cause damage and is considered to be a pest.  
If it is a stag larvae then it is generally if not always found in rotting wood - the cockchafer is found in open ground.
Dont kill em if they are in or around rotten logs.  If you just dig em out the ground they are probably cockchafers and can be disposed of..

Edit - this may help http://tinyurl.com/yb4jpfz

[LinnetLegs]

After doing a bit more research it is important to distinguish between the two larvae.  The Stag is concidered a friend while the cockchafer can damage roots and cause damage and is considered to be a pest.  
If it is a stag larvae then it is generally if not always found in rotting wood - the cockchafer is found in open ground.
Dont kill em if they are in or around rotten logs.  If you just dig em out the ground they are probably cockchafers and can be disposed of..

Edit - this may help http://tinyurl.com/yb4jpfz

That really helps - thanks. I will have a real close look before I dispatch anything.

[chriscross1966]

I hit a flying cockchafer once on my motorcycle, nearly knocked me senseles san dit took me five minutes to get my visor clean afterwards......ick.....

[Unwashed]

Wow, the larvae are really similar aren't they.

[PurpleHeather]

Decisions, decisions, decisions eh?

I suppose it would be an idea to isolated the grub until it becomes the insect then make the life or death decision.

[Squash64]

Ah that's one of mine.
They are Stag beetle larvae - quite rare and should be left alone.  

Fabulous photo Nick, what camera do you use?

[Jayb]

I come across one every now and then, it always shocks me how big they are! It doesn't help I'm also a bit squeamish with blobby looking maggoty things. I'm pretty sure they have been the Cockchafer as I have dug them up, no rotting wood involved.

[BarriedaleNick]

Fabulous photo Nick, what camera do you use?

Cheers Squash..
I have a Nikon D90 but I think that was taken on my old D70 - great cameras that can make even me look lke a reasonable photographer!!

I suppose it would be an idea to isolated the grub until it becomes the insect then make the life or death decision.

Apparently stag beetles can spend upwards of 4 years munching on logs before pupating so be prepared for a wait!!!

[Chezzie]

When I lived in Beckenham our road was lined with oak trees which were full of stag beetles, pretty scary at dusk when they were all flying low, when you saw one coming toward you it was best to get out of the way, some of them were massive and so majestic.

[BarriedaleNick]

Hi Chezzie - Im only a few miles from Beckenham ( forest hill)..
When they start flying around in the garden it can be quite scary if you dont know what they are.  We were having a barbie with some friends one summer night when they decided to come out - rather like drunken world war two bomber planes - never seen a garden clear so quick!