Common name : Huhu grub
Scientific name : Prionoplus reticularis
Family : Cerambycidae
Native to : New Zealand
Interesting fact : While the Maori word ‘huhu’ was initially meant as the name for the larval stage of this beetle, it is now associated with all four stages of the beetle’s life.
70 mm in length, the huhu grub feeds on the dead wood of conifer species. Their habitat usually is restricted to the lowland podocarp forest. They are more nocturnal in nature and are attracted to bright lights. The huhu grub bites only if mishandled or threatened.