May Bug (Melolontha melolontha) ♂

Model on a scale of 10 :1
The model is firmly installed on a root.
Total dimensions : approx. 120 cm high | 80 cm wide | 100 cm long

Distribution and habitat

The May Bug was widely spread throughout central Europe. Until recently it was counted as a serious pest. The beetle has almost become extinct since nowadays a variety of pesticides are being employed to an enormous extend. Maybugs start flying about the second half of April and swarm in the dark and the early evening of may.

Lifestyle and special aspects

The beetle is between 2 and 3 centimetres long. The male bug can be identified easily by their fanlife feelers, consisting of 7 longish disks whereas the female has got 6 shorter ones. Melolontha melolontha mostly eats the leaves of oak trees and beeches. The larvae lives in the earth feeding on roots. The whole development of the May Bug takes approx. 4 years.