Beetle ID help?

[jezlee]

Hello all - has anybody else noticed a positive plague of these beetles over the last week? Every time I go outside they are flying around, they can be found on clothes hanging on the washing line, floating around dead in the rainwater butt and even the odd one in the house. This morning I found several "clumps" of three or fours writhing around on the lawn (mating, I presume?) and managed to get this shot. Does anyone know what species they are?

[Gerel]

Hi Jez,

I think they're Garden Chafers (Phyllopertha horticola), a smaller relative of the Maybug or cockchafer, we get swarms of them around this time every year. They seem to be particularly keen on the hazel bushes here.

regards

Steve

[Tiggrx]

I think they may be Welsh Chafer (Hoplia philanthus) - not 100% sure but don't look right for Garden Chafer to me.

[jezlee]

Thanks for the suggestions! What's the range of the Welsh Chafer, Tiggrx? I am not a million miles from Wales ...

[Gerel]

Think you might be right there, there does appear to be only one claw on the hind leg that is gripping the grass stem bottom left of the pic.

[kitscot]

Originally Posted by jezlee

Thanks for the suggestions! What's the range of the Welsh Chafer, Tiggrx? I am not a million miles from Wales ...

hi!

The English name is something of a misnomer as the species can be found in England and has also been found, though very rarely, in Scotland.


Regards

Kit