Cockchafer vs Goldsmith Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cockchafer Goldsmith Beetle
Scientific Name Melolontha melolontha Cotalpa lanigera
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Scarabaeidae
Size 25-30 mm 20-26mm
Habitat Farmland Orchards
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cockchafer

A large, clumsy-flying chafer beetle that emerges en masse on warm May evenings. Its white C-shaped larvae are familiar agricultural pests across Europe.

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Did You Know?

In medieval Europe, cockchafer swarms were so destructive that they were once put on trial in court.

Goldsmith Beetle

A beautiful golden-yellow scarab beetle with a metallic luster and fuzzy underside. It is attracted to lights on warm summer nights.

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Did You Know?

Its genus name Cotalpa means golden shield referring to its remarkably bright metallic golden coloration.