Costelytra zealandica facts for kids

The grass grub (scientific name: Costelytra zealandica) is a type of scarab beetle. These beetles live in the greater Wellington area of New Zealand, especially in places with forests.

What is a Grass Grub?

A grass grub is a small insect that belongs to the family of scarab beetles. Scarab beetles are known for their strong, often shiny bodies. The grass grub is a native insect to New Zealand.

Discovery of the Grass Grub

The grass grub was first officially described in 1846. A British scientist named Adam White identified and named it. He called it Rhisotrogus zealandicus at the time. He studied a specimen that was collected during a scientific trip called the Ross expedition.

What Do Grass Grubs Eat?

Grass grubs are known for eating the roots of plants and trees. This can be a problem for farmers. When many grass grubs eat the roots of grass in farm pastures, they can damage the plants. This is why they are sometimes called a "pest" by farmers.

How Scientists Name Insects

Sometimes, scientists learn new things about insects. This can lead to changes in their names. Before 2016, another type of grass grub, the New Zealand grass grub, was mistakenly thought to be Costelytra zealandica.

In 2016, two scientists, Coca-Abia and Romero-Samper, looked closely at the original specimens. They found important differences between the two types of grass grubs. Because of their findings, the New Zealand grass grub was given a new scientific name: Costelytra giveni. This new name honored another scientist named Given. This shows how science is always learning and updating information!