Bioecological study of white grubs in the Constantine region: Use of anal patch bristles to identify inventoried species

White grubs, the term given to beetle larvae, frequently feed on the roots of various plants, but mainly those of grasses and pastures. Damage caused by grubs initially resembles drought stress. As feeding continues, the attacked parts of the host plant begin to wilt and turn brown. In Algeria, the Melolonthini, particularly Geotrogus deserticola (Blanch.) in the south-west, cause considerable damage to the roots of a wide variety of plants, especially cereals. It is a fearsome pest that attacks all types of vegetable crops, especially cereals, which are considered preferential plants.In order to combat these pests and minimize their negative effects, it is necessary to obtain information on their biological aspects in the regions of interest.