cockchafer

Cockchafer, also called the May beetle in parts of Europe, is a common name for large brown scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae. The best known species is Melolontha melolontha, native to Europe and western Asia, where adults emerge in late spring and early summer. They can occur in swarms in some years and may cause noticeable defoliation of trees and shrubs.

Description and habitat: Adults are robust, typically 20–30 mm long, with a brown, hairy body and lamellate antennae that can be fanned open. They fly at night and are often attracted to lights. The wing covers (elytra) have a dull, chestnut color. Larvae, known as cockchafer grubs, are white or cream and reach about 25–40 mm in length, with a characteristic curved brown head. They live underground in the soil, feeding on roots.

Life cycle and behavior: The life cycle spans two to four years, depending on conditions. Eggs are laid in soil; larvae develop underground, feeding on roots of grasses and other plants, sometimes causing turf damage. After pupating in the soil, adults emerge in late spring or early summer, mate, and die within a few weeks. Adults feed mainly on the leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs.

Impact and management: Cockchafer larvae can weaken lawns, pastures, and young trees by root feeding, while adults may cause defoliation of foliage. Natural predators include birds and small mammals. Management is usually focused on monitoring and, in some settings, targeted biological or chemical controls, though options vary by region and situation.