Huhu Grubs and Beetles

Prionoplus reticularis Grub known as Huhu, adult pepe-te-muimui or Huhu beetle

The Huhu Beetle is New Zealands heaviest beetle and has a large grub or larvae which can be eaten. The larvae are found in rotting logs or trees.

Huhu Beetle life cycle

1. 10 to 50 eggs are laid under the bark or in the holes of a suitable tree,
2. The grub or larva emerges and bores into the tree growing to about 70mm long. This stage last from between two and three years
3. the larva then undergoes a resting period of around ten to fifteen days where the abdominal segments contract and the body darkens slightly whereupon it moults into a pupa
4. The grub pupates taking about 25 days
5. Emerges from the tree
6. Adult