Species Information
Length 7-12 mm. Also called the ‘Bracken Chafer’, it has a shiny green or black head and thorax, and the elytra is light brown or deep chestnut in colour.
The larvae feed on the roots of grasses, including cereals, whilst the adults can cause damage to apple and pear trees by chewing their buds.
Seen May to June, and found in gardens, and many other habitats like hedgerows and woodland rides. Common and widespread throughout.
Classification
Class:
Order:
Suborder:
Family:
Genus:
Species:
Insecta (Insects)
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Polyphaga
Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
Phyllopertha
Phyllopertha horticola (Linnaeus, 1758)
Photographs
All photographs copyright © Peter Hillman
Please see the ‘about‘ page for details on use of images
Nature Journeys 