The larvae of native chafer beetles are commonly known as grass grubs. They live underground, feeding on plant roots, especially grasses and clovers. In late summer and during winter they move up to the surface, and can cause so much damage to root systems that patches of grass die off. When dug up, they are usually found in this curled pose.
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Soil Bugs – An Illustrated Guide to New Zealand Soil Invertebrates
Photograph by Alastair Robertson and Maria Minor
© Massey University
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