There are more than 20 species of these beetles whose grubs might be found damaging plants in Georgia. The grubs are white with a brown head and legs and with a darker area at the tip of the abdomen. They curl up in a C-shape when disturbed. Grubs feed on the roots of plants, and also cause mechanical damage as they tunnel through the soil. Adults of some species feed on foliage of a variety of shade trees, fruit trees, grapes and other deciduous plants.
Adults emerge from the soil in late spring or early summer, depending on the species.
They feed, mate, and return to the soil to lay eggs. They return to the root zone when the soil warms in the spring and feed until they mature. Pupation occurs in the soil. In north Georgia, some species may take 2 years to complete this life cycle. As with other soil dwelling pests, control with insecticides is difficult.