Argentine Scarab
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Cyclocephala signaticollis
ORDER:
Coleoptera
How to identify Argentine Scarabs:
The presence of Argentina Scarabs can be identified by their larvae or mature / adult beetles:
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Immature or larval stage is a white to creamy-white, soft bodied curl grub up to 25mm long. Similar to African Black Beetle with three sets of legs and a hard, light brown head capsule, but appears in larger numbers and is more active.
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When mature the adult beetle is olive in colour with distinct brown markings on the wing casing and a soft shell, up to 15mm long.
What is the biology and lifecycle of Argentina Scarabs?
The Argentine Scarab has a one year lifecycle comprising of 2-4 weeks as an eggs, 10-11 months as larvae, 4-5 days as pupae and 1-4 weeks as adults. Adults emerge from the pupal stage at the beginning of summer when soil temperatures begin to warm. After mating, females burrow into soft, moist soils and deposit eggs in the upper soil profile. The eggs hatch 2-4 weeks later and larvae begin to feed on turf roots. Larvae grow quickly and reach 3rd instar within several weeks. In about May or June the 3rd instar larvae begin to move underground to overwinter within the soil.
Damage Caused by Argentine Scarab
Argentine Scarabs are capable of causing damage to turf if they are present in plague proportions. Several consecutive hot, dry summers will often result in population build up to a point where damage is evident. Populations of Argentina Scarab are concentrated mainly around the drier areas of the South Eastern Regions of Australia.
- The Argentine Scarab larvae are responsible for causing turf damage, as the larvae feed by chewing off turf roots in the shallow soil just below the thatch. Damage is reminiscent of drought stress, as the turf root system becomes compromised and moisture efficiency is lost.
- In severe cases, usually towards the end of the season when grubs are 3rd instar, turf can become severely damaged in patches. Often these patched of turf can be rolled back to expose feeding grubs beneath.
- Adult Scarabs do not feed
Management Tips for Argentine Scarab
To manage or control turf damage from Argentine Scarab, ensure infested areas of turf have do not suffer from moisture stress as this will exacerbate the symptoms of damage cause by larvae feeding.
Argentine Scarab INFO SHEET
