About Phyllopertha horticola (Linnaeus, 1758)
Phyllopertha horticola (Linnaeus, 1758) has a body length of approximately 8.5–11 millimetres (0.33–0.43 inches). Unlike members of the genus Mimela in the same beetle family, this species does not have an ovoid body shape. Its wing casings are chestnut-brown and covered in long, upright pubescence. Six longitudinal bands of small dots run along each elytron. The head and thorax are finely granulated; the head, thorax and legs are a shiny dark green or bluish, and the underside of the body is also green. The antennae are very short, ending in a fan-like cluster of three lamellae, which the beetle uses to detect scents. This fairly common species has a wide distribution across Europe and Asia, extending east to Siberia and Mongolia. In northern Europe, its range reaches central Fennoscandia and includes the British Isles. In southern Europe, it mainly occurs in mountainous regions. It is the only member of the genus Phyllopertha found in Europe. Phyllopertha horticola inhabits bushes, hedgerows, woodland edges, meadows and fields, ranging from lowlands to mountainous areas. It also lives in parks and gardens, which gives the species its common name of garden chafer.
