chafer1 (chafer)

[ cf. MHG. kifen, kiffen, gnaw.] A name commonly given to several species of lamellicorn beetles, Scarabæide. The mel an choly rose-chafer, Euphoria mel an cholic a, a familiar example, feeds upon flowers or upon the sap exuded from wounded trees, but in the autumn, and Melancholy Rose especially in dry seasons, not infrequently attacks and injures ripe fruit che lan cholic up hori a of all descriptions, as grapes, figs, and ural size. cotton-bolls. The European cockcha fer, Melolontha vulgar is, is in habit and position the ana logue of the American May-beetle or June-bug.