What is the first stage of the white grub life cycle following egg laying?

The first stage of the white grub life cycle following egg laying is feeding on root tissue. After the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge and begin to feed on the organic matter found in the soil, particularly the roots of grasses and other plants. This feeding stage is crucial because it is during this time that the larvae grow and develop, leading to subsequent life stages. The larval feeding not only supports their growth but can also lead to significant damage to turf and crops, making it an important phase to understand for pest management.

This feeding habit is essential for their development into the pupal stage, which occurs later in the life cycle after adequate growth has been achieved. Understanding this stage helps in developing effective control measures, as addressing the feeding larvae can reduce the potential for damage to plants.