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Re: A grub in the garden

Could be the larva of Cotinis mutabilis, the Green Fruit Beetle, which is not uncommon in Southern California.  It's one of the larger "june beetles".  They feed on decaying matter such as that in a compost pile or an overly-amended vegetable bed.
 
Joe
 
 
 
Joseph Seals
Consultant
Arroyo Grande, California
Cell: 805-823-5696
New book: "Central Coast Gardening Essentials"
more info at: www.centralcoastkitchenandgarden.com
 

From: Kay Dreher <dreher@seti.org>
To: Medit-Plants <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
Sent: Sunday, April 1, 2012 1:52 PM
Subject: A grub in the garden

My niece sent me the attached picture for identification. She lives in Glendora, CA, and found a dozen or so of these little buddies in her raised vegetable planter. She got her husband (who was not screaming his head off) to put one  in a regular styrofoam cup, so that gives you an idea of its size. I told her to take it to the LA County Arboretum, but I'll bet you anything the whole lot of the interlopers are in the trash by now. So, any help appreciated.
thanks,
Kay in Berkeley CA

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