Manuka beetle

Pyronota spp.

Manuka beetle adults
Manuka beetle is the common name for a group of species of native scarab beetles (their larvae are very similar in appearance to the New Zealand grass grub). Manuka beetle adults are 9mm or less long and are usually coloured a bright metallic green
The beetles are only present for a few weeks in late spring/early summer each year. This period varies by a month or so in different regions and at different altitudes
Manuka beetles fly as adults in warm conditions during the day but are often not noticed against the background of our green spring pastures. Occasionally in very hot calm conditions a massed flight of beetles occurs – very noticeable to anyone passing through the swarm
Most species of manuka beetle are strongly attracted as adults to manuka/kanuka trees or bushes where they can be seen among the young foliage
Adults of most species of manuka beetles will feed on the young foliage of these bushes.

Manuka beetle larvae
Manuka beetle larvae (grubs) are soil dwelling grey/white grubs up to 10 mm long with tan coloured heads. They are very similar to the ubiquitous New Zealand grass grub larvae but generally much smaller
Typically found lying in a C shape
Larvae will feed on the roots of many sown pasture species and some pasture weeds
Damage can occur in discrete patches in pasture often in areas close to native bush in Taranaki and Hawkes Bay or in the Otago/Southland or Canterbury high country. More extensive damage can occur in hump & hollow and flipped pastures on the West Coast of the South Island
Damage initially appears as yellowed stressed areas of pasture. Later in these damaged areas plants are pulled easily from the ground during stock grazing due to the lack of roots caused by larval feeding
Damage patches may feel soft underfoot.

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