Which bug???

[Glyn]

This beastie was spotted flying around the sister-in-law's garden at the weekend (she's in Pontypridd...)
After an impromptu crash landing in a bucket (and some screaming from the sis in law), we fished it out and left it to dry out in the sun.

It's probably a very easy bug to identify, but can someone tell me what it is exactly? It's just over an inch long

Ta

Glyn








There's a few more picture in here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16275392@N03/sets/72157626104589070/

 

[Manacles]

Madame Manacles and me think it might be a Cockchafer (20-30mm long, lives in woodland margins and hedgerows) but we are not experts and resorted to looking it up in our insect book in the end........

 

[Glyn]

That looks like the beastie.

Many thanks, Mr & Mdme M

 

[Harvestman]

Cockchafer, Maybug, same thing. I found half of one today, courtesy of a local crow. Top two in your photos are males, because of the antennae. Can't tell on the third one, but maybe a female from the pointy abdomen.

These bugs are great fun, especially to show to kids. You often find them concussed against big windows that they have tried to fly through. Alternatively, if one flies into you, you are the one likely to end up with concussion! I hit one in my car once - thought the car had been shot for a moment - what an impact! Made a right mess on the windscreen too.

But it was worse for the bug...

 

[Frogo]

maybug or cockchafer

 

[blacktimberwolf]

A cockchafer bug & the lovely big fat juicy white grubs you find in the soil & compost heaps are it's larvae.

 

[JonathanD]

Interestingly, decades back, it used to be called the Dumbledore.

 

[blacktimberwolf]

Professor cockchafer just doesn't sound right !

 

[JonathanD]

Professor cockchafer just doesn't sound right !

There's an irony in that. Unfortunately it's a family forum.

 

[Glyn]

Must...resist...smutty..comment

 

[JonathanD]

Must...resist...smutty..comment

You obviously haven't seen the other insect thread yet.... bitin' my lip.

 

[Glyn]

I'm finding my inner dialogue reading these threads with a Kenneth Williams-esque voice.

Ooooooh Matron!

 

[Bushwhacker]

Interestingly, decades back, it used to be called the Dumbledore.

I know olde Dorset dialect it describes Dumbledore as a Bumble Bee but the term does apply to both. 'Dumble' meaning dumb or slow, so perhaps describing their flying manner.

 

[JonathanD]

I know olde Dorset dialect it describes Dumbledore as a Bumble Bee but the term does apply to both. 'Dumble' meaning dumb or slow, so perhaps describing their flying manner.

Dung beetles too.