Crows and grubs - Ask Extension
I read recently that the invasive European chafer grubs have been identified in Vancouver, WA., as the grub that crows are seeking when they tear up l...
Knowledgebase
Crows and grubs #923380
Asked January 06, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
I read recently that the invasive European chafer grubs have been identified in Vancouver, WA., as the grub that crows are seeking when they tear up lawns. Has this same grub been identified in the Portland area or other parts of Oregon?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi,
Yes, I have personally seen European chafer (Amphimallon majale) specimens from the Portland area. I haven't seen any from elsewhere in the state, but they may be other place in Oregon as well.
Scarab beetles have larvae called white grubs and several species have larvae that feed upon grass roots. According to the PNW Insect Management Handbook, the common species found affecting turfgrass in the Pacific Northwest are the European chafer, the southern masked chafer (Cyclocephala lurida), and the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica). Lawns might be further damaged by birds or mammals digging to try to get any of these white grubs that are present underground.
If you have white grubs that you would like to be identified, you could send live specimens in a crush-proof container to us at the OSU Plant Clinic. If the specimens are in good shape and are mature enough, I would likely be able to tell you the species.
Hope that helps!
Yes, I have personally seen European chafer (Amphimallon majale) specimens from the Portland area. I haven't seen any from elsewhere in the state, but they may be other place in Oregon as well.
Scarab beetles have larvae called white grubs and several species have larvae that feed upon grass roots. According to the PNW Insect Management Handbook, the common species found affecting turfgrass in the Pacific Northwest are the European chafer, the southern masked chafer (Cyclocephala lurida), and the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica). Lawns might be further damaged by birds or mammals digging to try to get any of these white grubs that are present underground.
If you have white grubs that you would like to be identified, you could send live specimens in a crush-proof container to us at the OSU Plant Clinic. If the specimens are in good shape and are mature enough, I would likely be able to tell you the species.
Hope that helps!
Here is a link with instructions for how to submit a sample if you would like to do that...
https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/insect-id-clinic/how-submit-insect-and-spider-materials
https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/insect-id-clinic/how-submit-insect-and-spider-materials
