European Chafer Beetle

Family Name

Scarabaeidae

Species

A. majale

As it’s name suggests, the European chafer beetle is native to Europe. Adult beetles are tan to brown in colour and reach approximately 1.5 centimeters in length. The larvae are white with brown heads, C-shaped, and can reach up to 2.5 centimeters in length. The lifespan of chafer beetles in only one year, allowing them to reproduce rapidly. Larvae feed on the roots of plants, causing damage to the plant above. 

Chafer beetles are a nuisance to homeowners as they infest lawns and attract predators such as crows, skunks, and raccoons that damage lawns as they dig for larvae. One of the best ways to prevent chafer beetle damage is to ensure your lawn is well water and fertilized. Chafer beetle infestations can be treated naturally using biocontrol methods. Many garden centers sell the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, which feed on chafer beetle larvae.