Which pest is commonly associated with root-feeding scarab larvae in turf?

Which pest is commonly associated with root-feeding scarab larvae in turf?

• A. White grub
• B. Billbug
• C. Sod webworm
• D. Chinch bug

Answer: (A)

White grubs are the root-feeding larvae most commonly linked to turf damage from scarab beetles. These grubs live just under the soil surface and chew on grass roots, weakening the turf so it thins, wilts, or dies in patches that can be rolled up with the roots attached. They’re easy to recognize by their C-shaped, creamy-white bodies with brown heads. While other pests in the list can injure turf, they don’t represent the scarab larval group that feeds on roots; for example, billbug larvae come from a different beetle family and attack roots or stolons in a different way, and sod webworms or chinch bugs primarily damage above-ground tissue or sap rather than feeding on roots.

White grubs are the root-feeding larvae most commonly linked to turf damage from scarab beetles. These grubs live just under the soil surface and chew on grass roots, weakening the turf so it thins, wilts, or dies in patches that can be rolled up with the roots attached. They’re easy to recognize by their C-shaped, creamy-white bodies with brown heads. While other pests in the list can injure turf, they don’t represent the scarab larval group that feeds on roots; for example, billbug larvae come from a different beetle family and attack roots or stolons in a different way, and sod webworms or chinch bugs primarily damage above-ground tissue or sap rather than feeding on roots.