ID please? Is this a pest?

[Maggie_ Woolley]

We have recently had swarms of beetles flying round local garden trees at dusk. We have a large playing field at the back of the garden with a wooded common beyond. They do not seem to do any damage to the trees and after they fly around for a while, they tire and fall to the ground, with no energy. They seem to prefer swarming when it is warm.
They are about 1 to 1.5 cms, pale brown with hard wing cases, jointed legs with 'two-pronged' feet. The body under the wing case is striped, black and cream.
We want to know if this is a pest. Our local pest control told me they were Mayflies, but I know they are not.
Thank you in advance for any ID,
Maggie

[eucera]

Summer Chafers perhaps?

Perhaps he meant "maybugs" which are very closely related to Summer Chafers

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by eucera

Summer Chafers perhaps?

Perhaps he meant "maybugs" which are very closely related to Summer Chafers

Yes, that size with hard wings is some sort of chafer. And they're not harmful (although they're heavy and not very good fliers so can give you clunk if they run into you!).

[Colin Pumfrett]

Mayflies? some pest control. Summer chafers or cockchafers will be the answer, more likely summer chafers as stated.

[Dogghound]

Not mayflies with that description, mayflys live in aquatic environments and are not pests i dread to think how that pest controllers mind works , sounds alot like the summer chafer, any chance of a photo?

[Maggie_ Woolley]

Thanks very much all! Summer chafers they are! I shall call pest control and let them know
Maggie

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Maggie_ Woolley

Thanks very much all! Summer chafers they are! I shall call pest control and let them know
Maggie

... but they're not pests