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What is this Beetle
Michael Sands
Posts: 67
Hi, I have 2 photos of a beetle and I would like to know what it is and is it a threat to my garden? Thanks and no jokes about Ringo Star either lol.
He is about an inch long and the biggest Beetle I have ever seen, a common visitor to my garden but I haven't a clue what he is?
Last edited: 28 May 2016 13:32:35
0
Posts
Hi there. Its a cockchafer or maybug. It can be very destructive as the larva - feeding on grass roots. Harmless to humans though.
it looks like a Cockchafer, which can be a pest.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/advice/pests_and_diseases/identifier.shtml?chafer_grubs
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=487
A cockchafer - a wonderful creature.
Years ago there were great numbers of them and they caused damage to crops and haymeadows - nowadays they exist in much smaller numbers and do little significant harm in gardens. I love to see them - they fly in the treetops on warm evenings and love honeysuckle blossom.
https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs-and-habitats/common-cockchafer
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks Ladybird4, is it only grassroots he feeds on. I live in Ireland and I was wondering what he was as he has been a visitor here for a number of years now...
Thanks Alan, it seems that I only ever see one every year. So not a problem yet... I tried googling beetles for years to find out what it was and never found out till now, thanks.
Hi Michael. Their larvae only feed on roots - their preference being for cereals and grasses, and they live in the soil for about three years- but the adults might have a nibble on flowers or leaves. They are nocturnal usually and you are lucky to have one despite their history.
Hee hee, that is a MAY BUG. They are no harm. I have several every May.
I think they are so cute. Although I'm terrified as soon as they take flight.
That is fabulous. I would love to see one for real.