Largest insect I have seen in UK - what is it?

Harry_III_UK · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2011, 09:48 PM

Sorry if this is an easy question - but I was wondering what this is.

It flew in through my open window in Leeds, UK on 11th May 2011 - I have never seen an insect as large as this in the UK before.

I know there is no scale - I would say just over an inch long?

I caught it and put it back outside again as I thought it would die if left inside. It seemed to fly away quite happily.

Is this migrating up to the frozen North due to the mild climate so far this year? Any help appreciated!

Thanks!

Harry

2dogs2000 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2011, 09:49 PM

It is a cockchafer.

Welcome to WAB

htcdude · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2011, 09:51 PM

You've got yourself a Cockchafer

Nige

Harry_III_UK · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2011, 09:51 PM

Wow - that was fast! Thanks very much!

It is just the largest thing I have ever seen in this country. It looked rather magnificent though!

Thanks again,

Harry

STYRBJORN · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 07:24 AM

I love those feathery antennae. Bit like false eyelashes!

Richard Baber · #6 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 08:26 AM

Great photos - they really show the antennae well and as you can clearly count seven, rather than six, 'feathers' on the each antenna, this is a male. I believe they are more common in the South than the North, but they are generally widespread across the UK.

Cockchafers are not our largest beetle though. Stag beetles are much bigger, but sadly pretty rare now and only found in the South. They used to be easy to find when I was kid. Check this photo out from the WAB Gallery - it's brilliant!

Stag Beetle - Lucanus cervus - Wildlife Photography

Richard

STYRBJORN · #7 (**permalink**) 13-05-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Baber

Great photos - they really show the antennae well and as you can clearly count seven, rather than six, 'feathers' on the each antenna, this is a male. I believe they are more common in the South than the North, but they are generally widespread across the UK.

Cockchafers are not our largest beetle though. Stag beetles are much bigger, but sadly pretty rare now and only found in the South. They used to be easy to find when I was kid. Check this photo out from the WAB Gallery - it's brilliant!

Stag Beetle - Lucanus cervus - Wildlife Photography

Richard

Also diving beetles Dytiscus marginalis and IIRC Hydrous piceus

Ric