melolonthine
/ˌmɛlə(ʊ)ˈlɒnθʌɪn/ /mɛlə(ʊ)ˈlɒnθiːn/Entomology
adjective
Of, relating to, or designating a scarabaeid beetle of the subfamily Melolonthinae, which comprises the cockchafers and related chafers.
noun
A chafer (beetle) of the subfamily Melolonthinae.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Century Dictionary. From scientific Latin Melolonthinae, subfamily name from Melolontha + -inae.