Common Cockchafer (or May Bug)

Found in agricultural areas, gardens, and woodlands near the edges of forests.

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

They have a 3-4 year life cycle, mostly spent underground as larvae. Adults emerge in late spring (May), are primarily nocturnal, and are strongly attracted to artificial lights.

They are harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting. However, they can be significant agricultural pests as the larvae cause damage to plant roots and the adults can defoliate trees during mass emergences.