May Beetles
ExploreInsects
May Beetles
Phyllophaga
May beetles are big, brown insects that come out in the spring. They love to fly around at night and can sometimes be seen buzzing around lights.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The May Beetle has a stocky, oval-shaped body, typically reddish-brown or dark brown, often with a slightly iridescent sheen. Its back is covered by tough, grooved wing covers (elytra) that protect its delicate flight wings underneath. It is visually different from many other beetles by its relatively large size and characteristic robust, hairy appearance.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyScarabaeidaeGenusPhyllophaga
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult May beetles are clumsy fliers, often bumping into porch lights at night.
Female May beetles lay hundreds of tiny eggs deep in the soil. Wow!
Some years, they emerge in such huge numbers they can strip trees bare.
Their underground larvae, called white grubs, can take years to grow!
Special abilities
Ability
Burrowing Grubs
May Beetles can live underground for years because their larvae (grubs) have strong jaws to munch on roots, staying safe from predators.
Ability
Night Navigator
May Beetles can find their way in the dark because they use sensitive antennae to detect scents and find mates at night.
Ability
Leaf Stripper
May Beetles can munch through leaves quickly because they have strong mandibles that help them feed on plants after dark.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-50 mm
- Size
- 12-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-1095 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults munch on leaves and flowers, while larvae feast on plant roots underground.
Age differences: Larvae eat roots underground; adults feed on leaves and flowers.
Primary Foods
- Tree leaves
- Shrub leaves
- Grass roots
- Plant roots
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
White Oak
Quercus alba
Provides leaves for adult beetles to eat.
eats
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Feeds on May Beetle larvae found in soil.
parasitizes
Spring Tiphia Wasp
Tiphia vernalis
Lays eggs on May Beetle larvae underground.
eats
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Digs up and eats May Beetle larvae from lawns.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
May beetles are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is May Beetles's wingspan?
25-50 mm
How big is May Beetles?
12-25 mm
How long does May Beetles live?
365-1095 days
How fast can May Beetles fly?
8 km/h
What does May Beetles eat?
Adults munch on leaves and flowers, while larvae feast on plant roots underground.
Where is May Beetles usually found?
Grasslands
How does May Beetles hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does May Beetles have?
6
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