Common Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha)

This Cockchafer was found on bracken on the Pembrokeshire coast near to Fishguard in July. At about three centimetres long, this is a large beetle that feeds on leaves. The wing case is coated in lovely looking white hairs, and the face hosts some interesting mouthparts! This beetle has a life cycle lasting three years, two of those spent underground as a larva munching on plant roots.