A few weeks ago, we found a huge beetle bumbling about the kitchen, whirring like a miniature helicoptor. It was a cockchafer, eater of ceral crops and danger to small children. He was kind enough to settle, so that I could take his portrait.
The country name for him is 'May Bug'. The Italians call him 'maggiolino'. Which is what they also call Volkswagens - known as 'Beetles' in the UK. They have a three year life cycle, which seems a long time for an insect. Their shape gives away the fact that they are a member of the Scarab Beetle family.Scarabs are still used today as 'living jewels' - held by a tiny chain as a brooch for some vain dunderhead.
Perched on half a sheet of A4 paper - a sizable beastie and handsome with it.