Cockchafer

Natural Habitat

Agricultural land, grasslands, gardens, and woodland edges across Europe and parts of Asia.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on the leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs; larvae (grubs) live underground and feed on the roots of grasses and plants.

Behavior Patterns

They have a multi-year life cycle (3-4 years) primarily spent underground as larvae. Adults emerge in spring, often seen flying at dusk around trees. They are known for the loud buzzing sound they make while flying.

Risks & Benefits

They pose no physical risk to humans but can be significant agricultural and garden pests as larvae can damage root systems and adults can defoliate trees. They serve as a food source for birds and mammals like hedgehogs.

Identified on: 5/16/2026