What does the FIFA World Cup have to do with an invasion of insects? In spring of 2026, parts of Germany saw a cockchafer year – when millions of Maybeetles emerge almost simultaneously. The reason for the swarm is its life cycle, which takes place for the most part underground. Larvae develop over three to four years, then appear in sync as adults to mate, lay eggs and die. In large numbers cockchafers can damage forests, yet they also serve as key food for wildlife.