Synopsis of the published and unpublished data related with white grubs diversity, distribution, importance and control methods used in Mexico and Central America are presented. Most of the white grubs samples included someone of the 340 species of the genus Phyllophaga listed from México to Panama. Based on samples from tropical, subtropical, and temperate localities, a brief description of the ecological preferences of 136 species of Phyllophaga is included. A list of 43 species of Phyllophaga frecuently cited as current or potential pests is also presented. Host plants of larvae of main pest species are commented and their distribution is illustrated. The importance of Mexican Transitional Zone as a diversification center for the genus is briefly discussed.