Pruinose Scarab

Common Name

Pruinose Scarab

Seasons of Activity

Spring / Summer

Areas of Plant Affected

Larvae - Roots

Scientific Name

Sericesthis germinata

Key Distinguishing Feature

"White to creamy-white larvae, soft bodied, up to 20mm long, 3 pairs of legs, light brown head capsule Mature/adult stage: Dark brown to black scarab beetle up to 16mm long, the antennae have large club-like ends and the underside of the body is covered in short grey hairs."

Adults emerge from pupation under the soil in early spring, and often fly to eucalyptus trees to mate before returning to the soil to lay 20-40 eggs.The larvae then hatch and burrow into the soil where they remain for a period of 8-10 months before emergence the following spring.

Larvae will mainly eat decaying organic matter though in large numbers their minor feeding activities on plant roots can cause injury.Adults then hatch in spring and live fore 1-9 weeks.

Key Products for Control:

Acelepryn Liquid - 15mL/100sqm, in 6-10Ltrs water, then water into soil.

Acelepryn GR - 1.5Kg/100sqm, then water into soil.

Rumbler - 12-44mL/100sqm

Recruit - 25mL/100sqm