Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Large Sand Scarab larva

Photo from Tracy Sargeant

Photo from Tracy Sargeant

Pericoptus truncatus Fabricius


Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae

Size range

  • Large grub, 36 to 65 mm long.

Distribution

  • New Zealand native, found from Christchurch north.

Life History

  • Larva found in sand, under logs at the beach.
  • Eats rotten driftwood and grass roots.
  • Adult buries in sand by day.
  • Active at night.