European Chafer

Natural Habitat

Found in grasslands, lawns, meadows, and disturbed soil environments in temperate regions.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae (grubs) eat the roots of grasses and ornamentals; adults feed very little or not at all on foliage.

Behavior Patterns

They have a one-year life cycle; adults emerge from the soil at dusk in late June and July to mate on trees before returning to the soil to lay eggs.

Risks & Benefits

They are a major invasive turf pest that can cause significant damage to lawns and pastures; they provide no significant benefits to the ecosystem.

Identified on: 6/27/2026