May Bug Collection

Happy Pentecost (colour litho)
981968 Happy Pentecost (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Happy Pentecost. German greetings card.); Look and Learn / Valerie Jackson Harris Collection

Cockchafer beetle (Melolontha melolontha) on lichen encrusted twig. France. May

A Cockchafer, Beetle, Woodlice and other Insects, with a Sprig of Auricula
1217490 A Cockchafer, Beetle, Woodlice and other Insects, with a Sprig of Auricula, early 1650s (oil on copper) by Kessel, Jan van (1626-79); 8.3x12.1 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Cockchafer or May Bug -Melolontha melolontha- on a mint leaf

Cockchafer -Melolontha melolontha-, Weinviertel, Lower Austria, Austria

European cockchafer beetle or May beetle -Melolontha melolontha-, with wings unfolded, on a dandelion flower -Taraxacum officinale-

Cockchafer -Melolontha melolontha-, about to take off, Weinviertel, Lower Austria, Austria

Cockcafer -Melolontha melolontha-

Cockchafer -Melolontha melolontha-

Cockchafer beetle, SEM composite
Common European cockchafer. Composite image of a common European cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) in flight. This beetle, which makes a loud buzzing sound during flight

May bugs copulating C017 / 8346
May bugs (Melolontha melolontha) copulating. Also known as cockchafers, the larvae of these beetles feed on roots and damage crops such as potato plants, while the adults feed on trees

English Insects illustration of Minotaur beetles and Cockcha
Illustrated plate from The Genera Insectorum of Linnaeus exemplified by various specimens of English insects drawn from Nature (1781) by James Barbut

Melolontha melolontha, mating cockchafer beetles
The cockchafer has a black thorax, rusty brown elytra or wing cases, and brown legs. It also has characteristic antennae which fan out

Melolontha melolontha, mating cockchafers
A pair of mating cockchafer beetles. Note the difference in size between the male and female

Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) adult, in flight, Norfolk, England, may

Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) adult male, resting on twig, Powys, Wales, june

Cockchafer beetle, SEM
Cockchafer. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a cockchafer beetle, or May bug (Melolontha melolontha)

May bugs mating
May bugs (Melolontha melolontha) mating. A second male (top) is competing for the female (bottom). The beetles are attracted to light at night and were caught in a light trap put out to catch moths

Cockchafer beetle. Close-up of a common European cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) on a rock, showing its large feathery antennae

Cockchafer - Antenna of male. x5 magnification
JC-407 Cockchafer / May Beetle - Antenna of male. x5 magnification. Melolontha melolontha Sometimes known as the May Bug John Clegg Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

Maybug, Sitophilus zeamais, Bielefeld, Germany, Europe

Maybug (Melolontha melolontha), Bielefeld, Germany, Europe

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The May Bug, also known as the Cockchafer beetle (Melolontha melolontha), is a fascinating insect that can be found in various parts of Europe. In France, this remarkable creature can be spotted on lichen encrusted twigs, showcasing its unique beauty against the backdrop of nature's artwork. During the joyful celebration of Happy Pentecost, a colour litho captures the essence of this season with a depiction of the May Bug alongside other insects and a sprig of Auricula. It serves as a reminder that even tiny creatures play their part in bringing life and vibrancy to our surroundings. In an illustration from Reigen Magazine in Germany from 1924, we catch another glimpse into the world of these intriguing beetles. The Cockchafer stands proudly amidst woodlice and other insects, highlighting its significance within ecosystems. Moving to Lower Austria, specifically Weinviertel, we witness more enchanting moments involving the Cockchafer. With wings unfolded gracefully on a dandelion flower or perched delicately on mint leaves, these images showcase their delicate yet resilient nature. As spring unfolds in Lower Austria's Weinviertel region once again, we observe how these majestic bugs prepare for flight. With anticipation building up inside them like an orchestra tuning before performing a symphony they can about to take off into new adventures. The repetition of sightings emphasizes just how prevalent and cherished these creatures are in their natural habitat. Their presence brings balance to ecosystems while adding charm to our surroundings. So next time you stumble upon one such May Bug or Cockchafer beetle during your outdoor explorations - take a moment to appreciate its intricate design and marvel at nature's ability to create such wonders.