[teamspotty]

I keep finding these caterpillars in the soil whilst digging. They seem to be around the roots of weeds, but what are they (I've searched in vain)?

[Mrs Bee]

It is a little difficult to see clearly, but could it be vine weevil larvae.

It looks the right colour with the orange head.

They are usually small and like the letter c. I have been finding lots in some compost, and then left them on a plant pot dish for the blackbird and robin.

[teamspotty]

Thats the critter! Thank you Mrs Bee!

I've been enticing a robin to get closer whilst digging so I can feed him. He's had 2 very fat ones today.

[Mrs Bee]

You're most welcome.  I am just sorry that I was right and you have them,  as they are nasty, pernicious little b*****ds.

I have 3 bags of compost to sieve through tomorrow to get the little swine.

They were in my strawberry troughs in the garden. Just hope they didn't migrate to the lotty on any of the seedlings.

Do you think if we are very good here on earth, that when our time comes to go to the big garden in the heavens we will find our garden and plots, fox, rat, mole, mouse, slug, snail and vine weevil free.
Rain in the night and sun during the day.

[teamspotty]

You're most welcome.  I am just sorry that I was right and you have them,  as they are nasty, pernicious little b*****ds.

They are just in the soil and I'm digging them out. Once I've finished digging I'll have a very fat and happy robin...

[Salmo]

How big are they. Vine weevil grubs are about 5mm.

[teamspotty]

How big are they. Vine weevil grubs are about 5mm.

They are about 3-5cm but looking up pictures, they match, but not the, so maybe not...

[Salmo]

Google chafer grub.

[Mrs Bee]

Could be chafer grubs.

Chafer grubs are longer and fatter than the vine weevil grubs.
The vine weevil grubs are quite small.

Whichever they are the robin will be happy and love you.

On balance I think you would be better off if they turn out to be chafer grub.

Vine weevils really are the spawn of the devil along with bindweed.

[teamspotty]

I'll take a closer look to see if it has front legs and try to get a better photo. At the moment I don't have anything planted so I can treat easily. When I find them they are in groups of 4 or 5 in the same area.

Yep one happy robin....