Pruinose Scarab
Common Name
Pruinose Scarab
Seasons of Activity
Spring / Summer
Areas of Plant Affected
Larvae - Roots
Scientific Name
Sericesthis germinata
Key Distinguishing Feature
"White to creamy-white larvae, soft bodied, up to 20mm long, 3 pairs of legs, light brown head capsule Mature/adult stage: Dark brown to black scarab beetle up to 16mm long, the antennae have large club-like ends and the underside of the body is covered in short grey hairs."
Adults emerge from pupation under the soil in early spring, and often fly to eucalyptus trees to mate before returning to the soil to lay 20-40 eggs. The larvae then hatch and burrow into the soil where they remain for a period of 8-10 months before emergence the following spring.
Larvae will mainly eat decaying organic matter though in large numbers their minor feeding activities on plant roots can cause injury. Adults then hatch in spring and live fore 1-9 weeks.
Key Products for Control:
Quarterback Insecticide - 15mL/100sqm in 6-10Ltrs water,
Acelepryn Liquid - 15mL/100sqm in 6-10Ltrs water,
- For active infestations, after application, wait 24 hours before irrigating thoroughly into soil profile. For all other applications, irrigate within an hour of applying.
- Do not apply if soil is saturated with water.
- Apply product before or at peal egg hatch for maximum control (mid-September).
- Calibrate your spray equipment before applying product to your lawn.
- Mix 1/2 tank of clean water with product and agitate. Keep mixture agitated and suspended in solution at all times.
Acelepryn GR - 1.5Kg/100sqm, *For active infestations, after application, wait 24 hours before irrigating thoroughly into soil profile. For all other applications, irrigate within an hour of applying.
*Always refer to the label before applying any products to your lawn*
