Common Cockchafer
Melolontha melolontha
This record describes Melolontha melolontha (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This large beetle has ribbed wing cases (elytra) that are reddish-brown in colour, and the head and the pronotum are blackish and covered in short hairs. The fan-like antennae are longer in males than females. Frequents hedgerows and gardens. It is attracted to light, and often crashes into lighted windows at night during early summer. May and June are the peak period for adults. The larvae are fat white grubs (often called Rook worms) that typically have a curved body shape and live in the soil. They can grow up to 40 to 46 mm in length. Quite common in southern Britain at least.
Wikipedia reference for Melolontha melolontha: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockchafer.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Genus
- Melolontha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequents hedgerows and gardens. It is attracted to light, and often crashes into lighted windows at night during early summer.
Seasonal Activity
May and June are the peak period for adults.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are fat white grubs (often called Rook worms) that typically have a curved body shape and live in the soil. They can grow up to 40 to 46 mm in length.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common in southern Britain at least.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melolontha melolontha. 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 Common Cockchafer (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Cockchafer
What is Common Cockchafer?
Common Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Common Cockchafer found?
Habitat: Frequents hedgerows and gardens. It is attracted to light, and often crashes into lighted windows at night during early summer.
When is Common Cockchafer active?
Common Cockchafer: seasonal activity - May and June are the peak period for adults..
What is the life cycle of a Common Cockchafer?
The larvae are fat white grubs (often called Rook worms) that typically have a curved body shape and live in the soil. They can grow up to 40 to 46 mm in length.