Black (African) Beetle
The Black Beetle(Heteronuchus arator) is generally found in the top half of the north island though it has been reported as far south as Wellington.
Problem Overview
The Black Beetle (Heteronuchus arator) is generally found in the top half of the north island though it has been reported as far south as Wellington. Originally it was a native from South Africa although it has now been in NZ for a long time. The adult black beetle is approximately 15mm long and has a shiny, black and sturdy appearance. As an adult it can be found throughout the year but most predominantly from the months of February through until October.
The adults burrow into the soil where they also consume the roots of grasses. The larvae which are larger than the larvae of the grass grub are creamy white in colour with a black head and abdomen. They live in the top 10mm – 50mm of the soil profile where they eat the roots of susceptible species with the majority of the damage done from October through until March.
The damage is obvious after a period of hot, dry conditions when the affected plants struggle to uptake sufficient moisture as a result of their impaired root function. Without regular irrigation these plants will desiccate and die. For that reason treatment is recommended in October and November prior to the worst of the damage occurring.
Solutions
Apply Acelepryn granules from September - November at a rate of 1.5kgs per 100m2 of lawn. In our experience this product will provide protection for up to 6 months.
OR;
Apply Lawnpro Protect at 330gms per 100m2.
These are insecticides and therefore precautions should be taken to avoid contact and to avoid inhaling any dust whilst applying these treatments. Please ensure that at least 25mm of water is applied within 7 days of application. If the infestation is acute a second application may be required in January or February.
Other Similar Lawn Problems
Sod Webworm
The term Sod Webworm is used to denote the species that includes Eudonia spp., Orocrambus spp. and Scoparia spp.
Black Beetle – Adult
The Black Beetle (Heteronuchus arator) is generally found in the top half of the north island though it has been reported as far south as Wellington.
Black Cricket
These are also known as Black Field Crickets or simply field crickets.
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