Garden Chafer
Phyllopertha horticolor
Description
Body length 10 - 12mm. The head and thorax are shiny blackish green and the elytra are chestnut brown. The whole insect is very hairy and the antennae are three pronged.
Habitat
Woodland edge, hedgerows and meadows. The larvae feed on grass roots and the adults on a variety of leaves.
Status and distribution
Can be fairly local but its distribution is widespread and adults can swarm to breed in sunny weather, so that the vegetation is dripping with them as they prepare to take their nuptial flights. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and occasionally seen at Netherfield Lagoons.
Best time to see
May to June.