Scarab Beetles

Scarab beetle larvae, often called chafers or dung beetle grubs, are soft-bodied and shaped like a C. They are cream to white in colour, with a noticeably swollen abdomen. Their heads are usually brown and hardened, with strong jaws for chewing. They have three pairs of jointed legs, which sets them apart from other beetle larvae. The back end often looks darker because you can see the contents of their gut. These grubs live in different places depending on the type. Some grow in soil where they eat plant roots and dead plant material. Others live in dung or rotting wood. Their development usually takes several months to a few years underground. They are common all over Britain in places like grasslands, gardens, pastures, and woodlands. Their curved shape and sturdy body help to tell scarab grubs apart from other larvae that live in soil. Their size varies a lot within the group, from small dung beetle grubs to large chafer grubs, which are often hunted by badgers and birds.