does anyone know what this grub is

[Raymond]

Just found this digging out an old tree stump. Fairly big grub it is alive. About 3 to 4 inches of straightened out . 

[peony]

Oct 19, 2014 14:11:04 GMT Raymond said:

Just found this digging out an old tree stump. Fairly big grub it is alive. About 3 to 4 inches of straightened out . 

Raymond, google 'stag beetle grub' and compare the photo with your grub. It looks similar to me

[Raymond]

Just did peony looks very similar and it's over 3 inches so I think that's it. Found two of them now.
Just relocated them with the rotten stump and soil. Really pleased to see them. Magnificent beetles.

[peony]

Oct 19, 2014 15:31:18 GMT Raymond said:

Just did peony looks very similar and it's over 3 inches so I think that's it. Found two of them now.
Just relocated them with the rotten stump and soil. Really pleased to see them. Magnificent beetles.

I'm glad you were able to relocate them Raymond, hopefully they'll grow into magnificent beetles and gobble up any nasty pests that might attack your lovely dahlias next year

[SueA]

You're lucky to have these Raymond as they're becoming quite rare, glad you didn't squash it as I'm sure some people would have without realising. I picked up a leaflet years ago about how to bury a bucket to make a home for them, must try it here now we've moved just in case there are any around here. There's a link here to some info. on stag beetles, you did the right thing keeping the grubs with the remains of the stump when you moved them it seems.
Stag beetles

[Raymond]

Oct 19, 2014 20:03:05 GMT SueA said:

You're lucky to have these Raymond as they're becoming quite rare, glad you didn't squash it as I'm sure some people would have without realising. I picked up a leaflet years ago about how to bury a bucket to make a home for them, must try it here now we've moved just in case there are any around here. There's a link here to some info. on stag beetles, you did the right thing keeping the grubs with the remains of the stump when you moved them it seems.
Stag beetles

Hi sue they are a magnificent beetle that need preserving was so happy to find them. Went to new home in shady spot dug a hole put the soil the remains of stumps and the 2 larvae in. Just hope they do ok.