Rhinoceros Beetle (larvae)

Description:

I have often referred to these larvae as Whichetty Grubs, but they are in fact the larvae of Rhinoceros Beetles. Sometimes referred to as "curl grubs." The size of the grub is roughly the same size as my index finger. The reference links show images of the adult beetle. They are quite amazing, and squeak loudly when handled but are harmless. PS: I've been digging around in the mulch today and found at least a dozen more of these larvae. I had no idea they were so plentiful in my garden. PS: Another native species is Xylotrupes ulysses, but as the Brisbane Insect link identifies X. gideon as being found in the Brisbane area, I have chosen that species as my spotting ID.

Habitat:

Very damp garden mulch (lawn clipping) in my yard. Hatch in summer months to adults which often come to lights or aggregate for mating in poinciana trees where they feed on soft bark and young shoots. I have plenty of mulch, and there are many large poinciana's nearby.

Notes:

Another of my cat's spotting contributions. She digs them up but never kills them, and always announces her catches to me... loudly! She sometimes drops them at my feet. Strangely enough, in all the years that I have lived in this area I have never seen a Rhinoceros Beetle. I've seen the grubs, but never an adult beetle. I have in other parts of Brisbane, and I know for a fact they are a favourite food of Blue-tongue Lizards. They chomp away on the beetles like there's no tomorrow! http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/229...