Cockchafer, Holt, Bob Ward 1/2
Cockchafer, NNR Dersingham Bog, Robert Smith 2/2

Cockchafer Melolontha melolontha

This large flying beetle, also known as the may-bug, it is easily recognisable with its feathery antennae, pointy abdomen and mahogany coloured wing cases, and can be spotted between the months of May to July.

Conservation status

The decline of this beetle may be due to modern farm machinery killing the larvae during soil cultivation. Cockchafers are an important prey item for larger bat species and further declines in this and other large beetle species could be detrimental to bats.

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In Norfolk the cockchafer has many local names such as chovy, mitchamador, kittywitch and midsummer dor.

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