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Scarab beetles

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Scarab [Scythrodes squalidus]. Image: Barbara Barratt / CC BY NC

Scarab Scythrodes squalidus. Image: Barbara Barratt / CC BY NC

Order
Coleoptera
Family
Scarabaeidae
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Size range

Medium to large beetles, the biggest up to 30 mm long

Distribution

New Zealand and introduced species

Life history

  • Larvae of some species can damage roots of pasture grasses
  • Bright green scarab beetle found on manuka
Scarab [Stethaspis suturalis]. Image: Cheryl / CC BY NC Image
Scarab Stethaspis suturalis. Image: Cheryl / CC BY NC
Scarab [Odontria striata]. Image: Aalbert Rebergen / CC BY NC Image
Scarab Odontria striata. Image: Aalbert Rebergen / CC BY NC
Scarab [Scythrodes squalidus]. Image: Barbara Barratt / CC BY NC Image
Scarab Scythrodes squalidus. Image: Barbara Barratt / CC BY NC
Scarab [Pericoptus truncatus] grub. Image: Arnim Littek / CC BY Image
Scarab Pericoptus truncatus grub. Image: Arnim Littek / CC BY