| Very similar
to the much more common Garden Chafer, this is a much
rarer Chafer at Sherwood Forest. It generally flies later
than Garden Chafer and is easily mistaken for a worn
example of the previous mentioned species. These Hoplia
philanthus, were found at Sherwood Forest CP in
early-mid July and then on Budby South Forest in early
August 2009 and have actually proved to be the first
Sherwood Forest NNR records that we know of. The larvae
feed on the roots of various plants and grasses and
adults can occasionally swarm in warm, favourable years. |
