The presence of African Black Beetles can be identified by their larvae or mature / adult beetles:
Larvae of African Black Beetles are a white to creamy-white, soft bodied curl grub up to 25mm long. The larvae have three sets of legs with a hard, light brown head capsule.
Adult African Black Bettles are a shiny jet-black scarab beetle up to 15mm long with serrated front legs.
What is the Biology and Lifecycle of African Black Beetles?
The female African Black Beetles can lay up to 80 eggs that hatch in 2-5 weeks, depending on temperature the larvae develop through 3 stages. The first instar feeds on decaying organic matter, and as they grow they begin feeding on plant roots. The fully grown larvae (3rd instar) are about 25mm long, creamy white in colour, curled up with 3 pairs of legs. When the larvae are fully grown they build an oval chamber, empty the hind gut and become a pre-pupae. After about a week the pre-pupae develop into pupae. The pupae develop into adult beetles after 1-3 months and emerge after rain or irrigation.
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Damage Caused by African Black Beetle
Damage to turf occurs as African Black Beetle larva feed on the root system of the turf plant. This compromises the plants ability to access water, and results in drought-like symptoms in irregular patterns. As damage worsens large patches of turf can lose root functionality, allowing them to be peeled back off the soil to expose large populations of larvae underneath.
The level of damage to turf affected by African Black Beetles will vary depending on a number of factors:
Weather patterns affect the number of African Black Beetle and can affect the potential for turf damage. After 2 successive dry Spring and Summer periods, the number of Black Beetles can reach plague proportions in the second year.
During plague seasons on warm, humid nights in Spring the beetles emerge and swarm to find new feeding and breeding sites. At these times green succulent intensively maintained turf is attractive to beetles as they search for lush food. The beetles are sometimes attracted to lights.
Management Tips for African Black Beetle
To manage or control turf damage from African Black Beetle, it is important to ensure infested areas of turf do not suffer from moisture stress as this will exacerbate the symptoms of damage cause by larvae feeding.
Taser Pro Insecticide is a residual broad spectrum non-repellent spray for the control of a wide range of insect pests in domestic, farm, agricultural, industrial, commercial and public service buildings.
Clear Up Bio 360 Bi-Aquatic is a non selective herbicide containing 360g/L of the active ingredient glyphosate present in the form of an isopropylamine (IPA) salt.
Acelepryn is an insecticide that provides safe and effective control of a wide range of turf-damaging insects while also minimising the impact on the environment.
Quali-Pro Twister is a highly effective insecticide for robust knockdown and residual control of Argentine Stem Weevil, Billbug and African Black Beetle in turf.
Initiator Systemic Plant Insecticide plus Fertiliser from Bayer. Initiator tablets provide enhanced growth and long-lasting protection against the damage caused by various insects that attack containerised, newly planted and established plants.
Grazon Extra provides control of a wide range of environmental and noxious and herbaceous weeds with the combined formulation containing the three active constituents 30% Triclopyr, 10% Picloram and 0.8% Aminopyralid.
Meridian insecticide is a water dispersible granule that provides effective control on a wide variety of insects and grubs, killing through both contact and ingestion.
Pride insecticide contains the active constituent of 200g/L Imidacloprid. Pride’s systemic action provides control of a range of insect pests in turf and ornamental situations.
Compel Pro is a unique water-based formulation containing 100g/L of the active ingredient bifenthrin. Compel Pro is formulated for the control of a range of pests in Turf and Ornamental plants. Available in 5L and 20L.
Columbus is an excellent translaminar and systemic insecticide. Columbus insecticide has contact, stomach and systemic activity, for the effective control of African Black Beetle, Argentine Scarab and Billbug larvae. Columbus is suitable on broadacre areas such as turf farms, sporting fields, parks, ovals and fairways.
Eraze 360 Bi-Aquatic is a non-selective herbicide containing 360 g/L of the active ingredient glyphosate present in the form of an isopropylamine (IPA) salt.
Pride insecticide contains the active constituent of 200g/L Imidacloprid. Pride’s systemic action provides control of a range of insect pests in turf and ornamental situations.
Compel Pro is a unique water-based formulation containing 100g/L of the active ingredient bifenthrin. Compel Pro is formulated for the control of a range of pests in Turf and Ornamental plants. Available in 5L and 20L.
Columbus is an excellent translaminar and systemic insecticide. Columbus insecticide has contact, stomach and systemic activity, for the effective control of African Black Beetle, Argentine Scarab and Billbug larvae. Columbus is suitable on broadacre areas such as turf farms, sporting fields, parks, ovals and fairways.
