1st cockchafer of the year

[Cowgirl]

Was reading a book in bed last night (window open) & was suddenly frightened to death by one come in through the window. Managed to get it out the window & had to shut it, I know it's harmless but there was no way that was being allowed to stay!!

As a point of interest can they nip, as it did seem to have curved pincer like things on the front (persuaded it to crawl into an empty crisp packet & then threw it out)?

Quite pretty in an ugly sort of way.

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Cowgirl

Was reading a book in bed last night (window open) & was suddenly frightened to death by one come in through the window. Managed to get it out the window & had to shut it, I know it's harmless but there was no way that was being allowed to stay!!

As a point of interest can they nip, as it did seem to have curved pincer like things on the front (persuaded it to crawl into an empty crisp packet & then threw it out)?

Quite pretty in an ugly sort of way.

Don't think they can nip, but they can't half hold on with their legs.

[diapasonbill]

Hi Cowgirl,

I also saw my first billywitch of the season here in Suffolk last night.
I don't know if they nip, but they do cling, so can be difficult to remove from clothing, skin etc. They seem to have hooks on their legs. I rather like them but a lot of people do find them scary!

Now we will wait for the experts to tell us all about them.

Bill

[wac4]

help

thought this thread ^ on cockchafers would be good here too....?

I had never seen one until a few days ago.

[Gill Catton]

I've always loved this pic by Jon



I think they're cute!!

[Fauna]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

I've always loved this pic by Jon



I think they're cute!!

Yes i agree...looks like some sort of Ewok

Had to help turn two over yesterday in our porch in work. They seem to find it near impossible to right themselves on smooth surfaces...big awkward flying conkers

[paulinemiller10]

I often see these May bugs around this time of year in the garden Cowgirl, they will fly around the outside light, so if you keep your light on low, they should 'nt fly in your window lol.

I ve picked quite a few of these bugs up and never been bitten by one, but they do have scratchy feet when they walk on your skin, the grubs live in the earth for three years before hatching, gardeners don't like them as they say they feed on plant roots, I find a lot of the grubs in my pots, I just leave them there, they don't seem to harm my plants.

I hav'nt seen any this year, I think they are lovely big bugs, posting pic of one I photographed a few years ago. Pauline.

[Cordaline]

I put out a Mothtrap a couple of nights ago & got atleast 9 of these creatures. Found loads that had burrowed into the lawn when I mowed it this morning aswell. Quite frankly, I can't stand the things & they freak me out! If one gets caught in your hair, it will literally have to be cut out! Urgh!