Melolontha melolontha (cockchafer or May bug)

Melolontha melolontha the May bug or cockchafer is not a true bug but a relatively large beetle found more commonly in the south of the UK.

Melolontha melolontha normally appears flying on warm evenings from May to July. Melolontha melolontha is attracted to artificial light and often comes indoors through open windows or even down chimneys. May bugs may cause consternation to those who encounter them but are harmless to humans.

Melolontha melolontha grubs, however, are considered a pest feeding underground on the roots of a wide range of plants and can damage pastures and crops.

Species detail

Melolontha melolontha showing short feelers on its black head © M Mitschack

Melolontha melolontha is the largest UK species of this group of beetles known as chafers.

Morphology

Melolontha melolontha

is about an inch in length
has short feelers on its black head and
has a hairy body
has non-hairy reddish-brown wing cases (when seen with the naked eye)

Taxonomy

Melolontha melolontha is about an inch long, has short feelers on its black head and a hairy body under reddish-brown wing cases. Find out more about the structure of Melolontha melolontha and other species that look like the May bug.
Distribution and habitat

Discover where the May bug is found and the types of habitat it enjoys.
Biology

Melolontha melolontha usually only live for around a month. Learn about the lifecycle of this species, from egg to adult.
Behaviour

Adults are active fliers at dusk onwards feeding on leaves after dark and rest on trees during the day. Find out more.
Conservation

Find out why conserving this species is not currently high on the agenda.
References

Get reference material for Melolontha melolontha.