Which of the following insects is known as a larval stage commonly referred to as a white grub?

The insect known as a larval stage commonly referred to as a white grub is indeed the beetle. White grubs are the immature form of various species of beetles, particularly those in the Scarabaeidae family, which includes the common Japanese beetle and various other scarab beetles.

During the larval stage, these grubs are often found in the soil, where they feed on organic matter, roots, and sometimes the roots of grass plants, leading to significant damage in turf and agricultural crops. As they grow, white grubs develop into adult beetles that emerge in late spring to summer, completing their life cycle.

In contrast, the larvae of flies, moths, and grasshoppers do not have the characteristics associated with white grubs. Fly larvae are typically referred to as maggots, moth larvae are known as caterpillars, and grasshopper nymphs resemble small adults rather than grubs. Understanding the specific life stages and biological classifications is important for effective pest control strategies in agriculture and turf management.