Identifying White Grubs in White Oak Firewood

Question: I found about 70 large, cutworm-like creatures in a white oak log I was splitting for firewood. Could you tell me what they are?

Found in White Oak

Answer: White Grubs (Scarab Beetle Larvae)

The insects you found are white grubs—the larval stage of scarab beetles. There are more than 20 species of these beetles in Georgia whose grubs can damage plants. The adults are heavy-bodied with long, spindly legs, ranging from light reddish-brown to shiny black and measuring ½ inch to over 1 inch in length.

Grub Characteristics

• White body with brown head and legs
• Darker area at the tip of the abdomen
• Curl into a C-shape when disturbed
• Fully grown grubs of larger species reach 1 inch or more

Ecological Role

These grubs are part of nature's decomposition process, breaking down dead wood. They do not harm living trees. Since you found them in firewood logs, they are simply doing their job recycling dead material. No control measures are needed.