Welsh Chafer
Hoplia philanthus
This record describes Hoplia philanthus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8-9 mm with a black head and thorax and reddish brown wing cases. It is usually seen in meadows and along hedgerows and woodland edges. The adult beetle can be seen from June to August. The beetles are active during the day, particularly in June and early July when they seeking a mate. Its larvae feed on a wide range of plant species, including grass roots, and can be a problem in sports turf and lawns. It is quite uncommon and mainly found in the west of England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Genus
- Hoplia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is usually seen in meadows and along hedgerows and woodland edges.
Seasonal Activity
The adult beetle can be seen from June to August. The beetles are active during the day, particularly in June and early July when they seeking a mate.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Its larvae feed on a wide range of plant species, including grass roots, and can be a problem in sports turf and lawns.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is quite uncommon and mainly found in the west of England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hoplia philanthus. 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 Welsh Chafer (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Welsh Chafer
What is Welsh Chafer?
Welsh Chafer (Hoplia philanthus) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Welsh Chafer?
8-9 mm with a black head and thorax and reddish brown wing cases.
Where is Welsh Chafer found?
Habitat: It is usually seen in meadows and along hedgerows and woodland edges.
When is Welsh Chafer active?
Welsh Chafer: seasonal activity - The adult beetle can be seen from June to August. The beetles are active during the day, particularly in June and early July when they seeking a mate..
What is the life cycle of a Welsh Chafer?
Its larvae feed on a wide range of plant species, including grass roots, and can be a problem in sports turf and lawns.