Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
245
Phyllopertha horticola
(Linnaeus) (
245-246
)
Garden chafer
The colourful, metallic bluish-green and reddish-brown
adults (7-11 mm long) of this widely distributed chafer
are particularly common in light-soiled grassland areas.
They occur mainly in May and June, flying during the
daytime in warm, sunny weather. The larvae are
relatively small (up to 15 mm long when fully grown)
and characterized by the two parallel rows of spines
above the anal slit; also, in repose they hold the head
close to the anal segment. They feed on roots of various
plants, especially grasses, from June or July onwards,
becoming fully grown by the autumn and eventually
pupating in the following spring. Although the adults
feed on the leaves, flowers and fruits of many garden
plants, and the larvae may occasionally damage the
roots of herbaceous plants, this species is not an
important pest of ornamentals. However, larval damage
to lawns and sports turf is often extensive.
245
Garden chafer (
Phyllopertha horticola
).
246
Serica brunnea
(Linnaeus) (
247
)
Brown chafer
A locally common woodland insect, sometimes causing
damage to nursery trees, including Norway spruce
(
Picea abies
) grown as Christmas trees, but not an
important pest of ornamentals. The larvae (up to 18 mm
long) are creamy white, with a yellowish-brown head,
numerous reddish body hairs and the anal slit
surmounted by a horizontal arc of spines. They feed on
plant roots, and usually complete their development in
two years. The adults (7-11 mm long) are mainly
reddish brown; they occur from June to August.
246
Larva of garden chafer (
Phyllopertha horticola
).
247
247
Larva of brown chafer (
Serica brunnea
).
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