may beetle

• Insecte coléoptère de la famille des Scarabéidés, notamment l'espèce Melolontha melolontha, actif en fin de printemps et reconnaissable à son vol bourdonnant et à son activité nocturne.

A common name for a type of beetle, specifically the cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha), known for its loud buzzing flight and nocturnal activity during late spring.

1. Common cockchaferC1formal

   A large, brown beetle of the genus Melolontha, known for its loud buzzing flight and nocturnal activity, often appearing in late spring.

   Hanneton commun

   • The may beetle is often seen flying around streetlights on warm May evenings.
   • Farmers sometimes consider the may beetle a pest because its larvae damage grass roots.
   • Children in some European countries play with may beetles by tying a thread to their leg.