Can a Cockchafer Sting?

Do cockchafers sting or bite? The intimidating sharp point at the tip of a cockchafer's abdomen is not a sting, but a pygidium – used by females to push their eggs deep into the soil.

Can cockchafers hurt you?

You can often see cockchafers on May evenings buzzing around the garden, which is why they are often known as the 'May bug'. As large, noisy insects they can be a little frightening, but are actually harmless to humans. However, they can considerably damage garden plants and crops.

What are cockchafers attracted to?

Noisy neighbours

Adult cockchafers only live for about 5 or 6 weeks. During that time, they look for a mate and fly into the tree tops to feed on leaves. They fly at dusk on warm evenings, making a noisy hum, and are attracted to light.