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Photo: G. Bradley |
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UK
Safari Tip:
Need help identifying crepy-crawlies? Get a copy of the ID chart called
"Bugs on Bushes" - click here
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Latin name: Melolontha melolontha
Size: Approx. 30mm. in length.
Distribution: Found throughout the UK, but are more common in the south.
Months seen: Seen flying at dusk from May to July.
Habitat: Woodland, farmland, and gardens.
Food: They feed on leaves, and a favourite is the oak tree.
Special features: Sometimes called the 'May Bug' because of the month they normally appear.
Although not common, in places where they can be found, cockchafers are
usually seen in large numbers.
 They
can often be found swarming around trees and bushes, feeding on the leaves.
Cockchafers are very haphazard in their flight, often colliding into things as they fly in search of mates. They also make a loud buzzing sound as they fly.
The cockchafer has a three year life cycle. After mating the female digs about 20cms into the soil to lay her 10 to 20 eggs. The eggs hatch after 21 days and the larvae remain in the soil for a further two years feeding on roots.
The cockchafer larvae (see link below) are a creamy-white colour, with a brown head. They are equipped with a strong pair of pincers for chewing through roots.
If you pick one up it will make a squeaking sound by rubbing a row of pegs on its hind legs against its middle legs.
When they are about 5cm. long they are ready to pupate in the soil. After pupation, the adult beetles emerge in October, but remain in the soil until the following spring.
The wing cases are covered in tiny grey hairs, giving the cockchafer a dusty
appearance.
Photo of a Cockchafer Larva
How Can You Tell a Male Cockchafer from a Female?
UK Safari Beetle Section
UK Safari Creepy-Crawlies Section
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