Large Underground Caterpillar

[WestLothian]

One of three that I accidentally dug up during spring weeding.
It was very slow and didn't seem to like the light so I carefully replaced some very loose soil around it and hopefully it will be okay. Any ideas what they could turn into if they survive?

[darwin]

Hi,

I don't think it is a caterpillar, looks like it could be a Chafer grub, which turns into a Cockchafer later in the year

Darwin

[aeshna5]

I agree it looks like a chafer larva, which will probably emerge May-July time.

[WestLothian]

Thanks - they were about two inches long and had six true legs and a large number of false legs along the body.

[mrs fish]

Yes it is definately the cock chafer grub which will become a may/june bug

They live under the ground usually near tree roots.

Here is one of a few we found last year

[darwin]

Actualy, they can remain in the ground for 3-4 years in the grub form before emerging into adults

Darwin

[mrs fish]

Originally Posted by darwin

Actualy, they can remain in the ground for 3-4 years in the grub form before emerging into adults

Darwin

That would perhaps explain the difference in sizes of the grubs we found.

[ThePainter]

Hi,
One evening last year a friend of mine was having a beer on his patio in Wales and a Cockchafer flew into his head and nearly knocked him out, he was straight onto me to know what the hell it was.

So watch out, these things can be dangerous

[mrs fish]

My sister and I still scream when they fly near us The tales that they get tangled in your hair is to blame
Last year we had huge male stag beetles flying at us as well
I blame the world cup lol