Chafer

A chafer is a common name for several beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, particularly in the subfamily Melolonthinae. In Europe the term often denotes the cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) and related species; in North America, chafer usually refers to various Phyllophaga species, commonly known as June beetles or May beetles.

Adult chafer beetles are typically medium-sized, oval, and brown to reddish-brown, about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters long. They are mostly nocturnal and attracted to lights, and they feed on foliage. Adults live only a short time and may cause some leaf damage during their brief flight season.

Chafer larvae, or white grubs, are C-shaped and pale with a brown head. They develop underground, feeding on the roots of grasses and other plants. The larval stage can last one to three years, depending on species and environmental conditions, after which they pupate and emerge as adults.

Life cycle and behavior: Females lay eggs in soil; grubs hatch and grow, then pupate in the soil. Adults emerge in late spring or early summer, often in large numbers, and disperse to feed before dying within a few weeks. Emergence timing varies by species and climate.

Ecology and impact: Chafer larvae can cause significant damage to turfgrass, pastures, and tree roots by feeding underground, leading to wilting and patchy lawns. Control measures emphasize integrated pest management, including cultural practices to reduce grub numbers, biological controls, and targeted chemical treatments when necessary, typically applied by professionals.