Summary

Wax model of Cockchafer larva Aphodius howitti (Carabaeidae), magnified x20, made by Judy Bishop,1954.

Aphodius is a serious pest of pastures and lawns. The adult is a small brownish beetle 3/8 to 1/2 inch long which is commonly seen flying around lights in January or February. The adults lay eggs in short pastures or bare patches of ground. The grubs feed on roots in the soil until the autumn rains. They then tunnel to the surface and feed on the pasture in the night returning to their tunnels by day. Small mounds of loose earth around their hole are a typical sign. The grubs feed throughout the winter growing to about 3/4 inch long. After pupating the adults emerge to continue the cycle.
The pest is readily controlled by applying lindane 2 oz. per acre between February and June. After June, treatment is not effective.

Physical Description

Model of a larva with white, sectioned body and brown head. The larva has six legs near its head and hairs all over its body. The larva is curled, with the end of its tail almost touching its head.

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