chafers

Chafers refers to two distinct uses of the term: a group of beetles known as chafer beetles, and a type of serving dish used in catering.

Chafer beetles are medium-sized scarab beetles, typically 1 to 2.5 centimeters long, with brown to tan coloration. They are most active at night and are attracted to lights. In Europe, the common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) is a well-known species, while in North America relatives are commonly called May beetles or June bugs (Phyllophaga spp.). Adults feed on foliage, and larvae—known as white grubs—live in the soil and feed on plant roots. The life cycle varies by species, often spanning one to several years. Chafer beetles can be agricultural or turf pests, but they also fill ecological roles as decomposers and as prey for predators.

In catering and food service, a chafer (also called a chafing dish) is a portable warming vessel used to keep hot foods warm at buffets and banquets. A typical setup includes a metal chafing dish with a tight-fitting lid, placed in a water pan on a frame. A heat source, commonly canned chafing fuel (Sterno) or an electric heater, sits beneath the water pan to create steam that maintains moisture and heat. Accessories may include a fuel holder, a rack, and serving utensils. Chafers are widely used for services like weddings, receptions, and other events where hot food needs to be kept at serving temperature for extended periods.

Overall, chafers cover both a group of nocturnal beetles and a practical catering implement, reflecting the same name applied to very different things.