May bug in July

[nanila]

We were very surprised to find this May bug (otherwise known as a “cockchafer” although not without a lot of sniggering) on a walk through a field in Norfolk. Not just because it’s quite a big beetle, but because it’s mid-July!

Comments

[shirebound]

That's fascinating. And the pods he's clinging to are also rather beetle-like!

[nanila]

Ooh, I hadn't noticed that previously. Thanks for pointing it out! I wonder if that's why he was hanging on to them, heh. "Cuddle, friends?"

[holyschist]

yayyyyyyy fuzzy beetle with the most unfortunate name!

[nanila]

Hahaha! Yes, it's a charming beastie.

[blueswan]

growing up we had rose chafers in the fields around our house. We were forever picking the things off our clothing. They committed the unfortunate sin of being an ugly bug with no redeeming qualities. see here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/english/raspberries/insects/rose-chafer.html

[nanila]

They eat the raspberries?! NOOOOO. Not okay, beetles, not okay.

[pensnest]

Whatever the date, that is an impressive bug!

[nanila]

My youngest (age 5) cackled and said, "Ohoho, that is EPIC!"

[cmcmck]

You can see why they like to blend into brown backgrounds!

[nanila]

Ha, yes, it's quite difficult for them to hide otherwise!

[st_aurafina]

(otherwise known as a “cockchafer” although not without a lot of sniggering)

SAME OMG.

Over here, cockchafers (snerk) are black and shiny. And pestiferous:
Blackheaded pasture cockchafer

Yours are much nicer, I think. Like beetle teddybears.

[nanila]

What a great description. Yes, it's about as cuddle as a giant beetle can get!

[ironed_orchid]

Oh! My version of Hans Christian Andersen had some story or another which featured a cockchafer, maybe Thumbelina, and I always imagined it as a cockroach.

This guy is much cuter than that.

[nanila]

Agreed! It's also harmless although that's not the assumption you make if you don't know what it is.