Help ID this flying bug please

Forestforager · #1 (**permalink**) 17-05-2011, 08:09 PM

Can you help ID this chap please.

A pair of them flew into our office in Southampton! Sadly they past however it is a flying bug. Very hard shell. Note the white toothed markings on the side.

It is about an over an inch head to toe.

any clues please

Steve

Hedera · #2 (**permalink**) 17-05-2011, 08:11 PM

It's a Cockchafer, or May-bug. Seem to be a lot about just now; perfectly harmless.

pressld2 · #3 (**permalink**) 17-05-2011, 08:12 PM

I think you have a cockchafer there, a species of beetle.

Dave P.

Johnny81 · #4 (**permalink**) 17-05-2011, 08:13 PM

Cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha

Forestforager · #5 (**permalink**) 17-05-2011, 08:21 PM

Just googled your replies. Many thanks guys. Easy when you know how etc.

I have never seen one and we where very suprised to see two enter the office within minutes of each other. They held hostage in the light shades and then disappeared. We found them both on the floor in the morning a few days afterward dead.

It really is a great looking species and has fuelled my interest.

Many thanks for the quick reply. Very interesting

Steve