European Chafer
Amphimallon majale
This record describes Amphimallon majale (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Rhizotrogini
- Genus
- Amphimallon (European Chafers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, adventive elsewhere; widespread in NA, mostly in the northeast & PNW
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Turfgrass pest
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amphimallon majale (Razoumowsky 1789)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amphimallon majale. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of European Chafer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About European Chafer
How big is European Chafer?
13‒15 mm
Where is European Chafer found?
Range: native to Europe, adventive elsewhere; widespread in NA, mostly in the northeast & PNW
What does European Chafer eat?
The diet of the European Chafer includes Turfgrass pest.