id say kill all those bastards in your soil, not worth the risk. 4ft plants that start dying for some mysterious reason is never fun

I would agree, without positive ID which is real tough as a lot of grubs at this stage resemble one another. Why risk waiting to see if it is beneficial or a root nibbler. I would err on the side of caution.

I see that no one has asked, since you reuse the soil year after year, have you had any issues with sudden death of your plants thus far??? Seems if they were a root feeder you would have had symptoms and loss of crop. Has this been the case???

First time I have ever seen them. Never had a plant just up and die. Well from rodents I have, not bugs. I have only found then in one out of 5 pots so far. These were over a foot deep. I did remove all that I could find. I am keeping my eyes open for them now. A lot more dirt to move. Thanks for all the input.

below frigid said:

I have read that some of the Cicada Grubs stay in this form for years. Like over 10 if I remember right.

Click to expand...

Cicadas look like a white cicada with no wings, that worm is a beetle larva. They eat roots and wood.
These will destroy them...
http://www.arbico-organics.com/product/omri-NemaSeek-Pro-Hb-Beneficial-Nematodes/organic-lawn-care