This dataset was generated and analysed for a study aimed at developing a rearing method and artificial diet for greyback canegrubs (Dermolepida albohirtum, Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). See the published study for more details on the methodology. Egg monitoring Excel spreadsheet. Information about Dermolepida albohirtum eggs and hatching rate. Eggs were laid by adult beetles in the laboratory. Eggs were kept in hatching chambers in small batches and stored in an incubator at 26°C, 75% humidity, and in the dark. Eggs hatched over several days (up to five days). Hatchling monitoring Excel spreadsheet. Information about Dermolepida albohirtum hatchlings and the date at which they hatched and developed into second instar in the laboratory. Hatchlings were fed pieces of carrots. Survival grubs on diet Excel spreadsheet. Information about Dermolepida albohirtum second instar larvae fed different diets or not fed in the laboratory for 18 days: survival, date at which they developed into third instar, date at which they died (if applicable). Weight of larvae on diet Excel spreadsheet. Weight of Dermolepida albohirtum larvae fed different diets or not fed in the laboratory for 18 days. Width of larvae on diet Excel spreadsheet. Width of Dermolepida albohirtum larvae fed different diets or not fed in the laboratory for 18 days. Larval width was measured as a straight line across the maximal width situated between the raster and the last spiracle. The measurements were taken from photographs and using ImageJ software (version 1.52a). Activity level of larvae on diet Excel spreadsheet. Activity level of Dermolepida albohirtum larvae fed different diets or not fed in the laboratory for 18 days. Larvae were observed at 30 seconds intervals for 10 minutes every 3 days (i.e., when new diet was added). We recorded when larvae started digging into the sand and when they were successfully buried at 30 seconds intervals for 10 minutes to determine their relative activity level. We also recorded the percentage of their body outside the substrate if they were not completely buried after 10 minutes. Diet uptake Excel spreadsheet. Diet uptake of Dermolepida albohirtum larvae fed different diets in the laboratory for 18 days. We calculated the amount of food source (diet PL1 or carrot) ingested by larvae by subtracting the initial diet weight with the weight of the remaining diet after three days (i.e., when new diet was added). These values were corrected by adding or subtracting the average proportion of diet or carrot weight change measured in controlled containers (i.e., carrots gained 11.2% of their weight on average and diet PL1 lost 1.9% of their weight in controlled conditions).