Grub identification

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GreyScales

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Grub identification
« on: November 24, 2013, 17:33 »
While waiting for my turn on the allotment waiting list, I'm volunteering down there to develop the skill set and get to know the locals. I've been digging up a few of these fellows and I'm not sure whether they're a pest to squish or something beneficial to leave alone. They seem quite sleepy and slow when dug up.

This is the best picture I could get I'm afraid, I'd appreciate if anyone can let me know what it is. This one managed to get away when I dropped it shortly after the photo  :unsure:
1452016_626741734050712_877440876_n.jpg

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Baldy

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #1 on: November 24, 2013, 18:06 »
Not sure:
Maybe chafer grub?
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?PID=487

Trouble is the grubs of 'useful' beetles can look similar to those we'd class as 'pests'
Sure there will be someone along shortly with greater expertise than me.  ;)

Cheers,
Balders

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Ema

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #2 on: November 24, 2013, 18:07 »
I've also seen several of these in the ground and 1 in an j artichoke tuber.

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sunshineband

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #3 on: November 24, 2013, 18:58 »
Those middle false legs look unlike those of a chafer grub I think.

More like a moth larva
« Last Edit: November 24, 2013, 19:03 by sunshineband »
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gavinjconway

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2013, 20:09 »
I call it a manure worm cos it's always in manure heaps.. AKA chafer grub - I'm tempted to agree with the consensus.
Now a member of the 10 Ton club.... 2013  harvested 588 Kg from 165 sq mt..

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barley

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2013, 20:45 »

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Salmo

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2013, 23:25 »
I do not think it is a chafer grub either. Google chafer grub images of chafer grub. I go with a moth caterpillar and probably harmless.

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sunshineband

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2013, 08:59 »
and not a 'cut worm' moth caterpillar as they a stripe down their backs and are usually greyer in colour, so possibly a caterpillar burrowed underground to pupate

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GreyScales

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2013, 11:36 »
No consensus then :D I'll just leave them alone then, on the grounds I'll feel mean squishing something that's potentially harmless.

Thank you for giving it a go.

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Dr_Pepper

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #9 on: November 26, 2013, 18:30 »
Do you know what was growing there this season? Looks a bit Turnip Moth-y to me.
Deffo one of our lepidopteran friends(?) though, rather than a beetle larva.

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sunshineband

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #10 on: November 26, 2013, 19:40 »
Do you know what was growing there this season? Looks a bit Turnip Moth-y to me.
Deffo one of our lepidopteran friends(?) though, rather than a beetle larva.

It could well be

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GreyScales

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #11 on: November 26, 2013, 20:27 »
Afraid I cannot say. I'm told a lot of rhubarb was grown there, but when I saw it; it had been long left to the weeds. Lots of couch grass, so I wonder if a rotovator has ever been near it...
536941_615211028537116_1350464708_n.jpg

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sunshineband

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Re: Grub identification
« Reply #12 on: November 26, 2013, 20:50 »
Afraid I cannot say. I'm told a lot of rhubarb was grown there, but when I saw it; it had been long left to the weeds. Lots of couch grass, so I wonder if a rotovator has ever been near it...

I kind of hope not, as a rotavator might well chop up those couch grass roots into little pieces and replant them for you  :ohmy:



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