What Is a Cockchafer?

The cockchafer, colloquially called Maybug, Maybeetle, or doodlebug, is the name given to any of the European beetles of the genus Melolontha, in the family Scarabaeidae.

Why is it called a cockchafer?

How did the Cockchafer beetle get its name? The name "Cockchafer" is Old English for "big beetle" while "Kafer" is German for "beetle". The beetle belongs to the Scarab beetle family Scarabaeidae.

Is a cockchafer a cockroach?

The May bug. Latin name Melolontha melolontha – known as the Common Cockchafer. When you next see a May bug just remember however alarming it may look, it isn't a cockroach, it isn't going to sting you or bite you, and while it may do some damage to your garden, it won't harm you.