New Zealand Invertebrates

DSC_4202 Huhu beetle (Prionoplus reticularis) larva or 'huhu grub'. These hatch from eggs deposited under bark or in crevices in rotten wood. For two to three years the grubs live in cavities they have eaten into the wood, then they begin a pupal stage that lasts 25 days before hatching into our largest native beetle. Huhu grubs are edible and are considered a delicacy by many - when pan-fried, they taste like buttery chicken and their consistency resembles peanut butter. Adult beetles are often attracted to lights, crashing against windows at night in spring and summer. Mahinerangi Forest *

341 / 808

DSC_4202 Huhu beetle (Prionoplus reticularis) larva or 'huhu grub'. These hatch from eggs deposited under bark or in crevices in rotten wood. For two to three years the grubs live in cavities they have eaten into the wood, then they begin a pupal stage that lasts 25 days before hatching into our largest native beetle. Huhu grubs are edible and are considered a delicacy by many - when pan-fried, they taste like buttery chicken and their consistency resembles peanut butter. Adult beetles are often attracted to lights, crashing against windows at night in spring and summer. Mahinerangi Forest *

DSC 4202 huhu beetle huhu grub larva Prionoplus reticularis endemic longhorn largest heaviest native Mahinerangi Forest