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Story: Insects – overview

Huhu grub

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Huhu grub

Huhu grubs are the larvae of the huhu beetle. They eat rotten wood for two to three years, then enter a pupa stage for 25 days, emerging from the log as flying, adult beetles. Fat grubs were a favoured food of Māori, who ate them raw.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10048548

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How to cite this page

George Gibbs, Insects – overview – In the bush, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10075/huhu-grub (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by George Gibbs, published 1 March 2009.