Cockchafers.....

I have just been up to shut in the chickens and ducks and became aware of a strange noise. Underneath an oak tree in the garden I could hear a loud drone, which sounded like the noise of bombers in an old war film. On closer examination I noticed loads of May Bugs flying around the tree making this noise.

Of course I rushed back to "Google" the May bug and found out that they are more commonly known as Cock chafers - and that they feed on oak leaves. The larvae are the mysterious white bugs that we often find in flower and vegetable beds.

I also read, and I quote - A 19th century recipe from France for cockchafer soup reads: "roast one pound of cockchafers without wings and legs in sizzling butter, then cook them in a chicken soup, add some veal liver and serve with chives on a toast".

I don't think I will be trying it any time soon!!