May Bug/ Cockchafer Melolontha melolontha
Maybugs, also known as Cockchafers, appear in May for 1-2 months in northern Europe and are attracted to light.
Adults reach 25-30mm long and males have 7 "leaves" on each antenna, females have 6 shorter "leaves".
Many thanks to Martin Starnes for the individual above, posing on his hand, including the antennae, rich chestnut wing cases
and black and white art deco side triangles.
"Hang on, more to do . . ."
"so if you could just get this last bit of cobweb off my leg . . ."
"and then kindly take me back outside . . . I'll be off."
Martin also sent photos of this individual; he says: "saved this chap last night fom the depths of a spider's web and did my best
to clean him up - apparently not well enough, initially, according to him." (Above text from Martin.)
Many thanks to Terry Hobbs of Moorlands Junior School, Bath, for these photos of May Bugs on the school wall.
They used to be common across Europe but have been decimated by pesticides.