Bug Identifier
June Beetle / May Beetle / European Chafer
Community identification

June Beetle / May Beetle / European Chafer

Phyllophaga spp. (for June/May beetles) or Rhizotrogus majalis (for European Chafer, which looks very similar)

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera, Family: Scarabaeidae (Scarabs)
Size
Typically 12-25 mm (0.5-1 inch) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Adults are found in gardens, lawns, agricultural fields, woodlands, and urban areas, often near host plants for feeding. Larvae live in soil.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on foliage of trees and shrubs. Larvae (grubs) feed on roots of grasses and other plants, including turfgrass and agricultural crops.

Behavior Patterns

Active primarily at night (nocturnal), attracted to lights. They are good climbers and can be found on walls or ceilings indoors during flight season. The larvae are subterranean and feed on roots.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae (grubs) can cause significant damage to lawns, golf courses, and agricultural crops by feeding on roots, leading to brown patches and weakened plants. Adults can defoliate trees and shrubs. Benefits: Serve as a food source for various animals, including birds, moles, and other predators.