The Australian Christmas beetle, renowned for heralding the festive season with its shimmering presence, has conspicuously dwindled in recent years, leaving many to ponder the cause behind its mysterious disappearance. Typically making a grand entrance into the open during November and December in search of sustenance and a mate, these beetles, belonging to the Anoplognathus spp genus, are commonly sighted in proximity to gum trees. Having spent the majority of the year as subterranean larvae, the holiday season marks their emergence, resplendent in their shiny exoskeletons.
However, over the past decade, sightings of these magnificent insects have experienced a precipitous decline, raising concerns among researchers. An alarming 35 Christmas beetle species have been affected, prompting investigations into the root causes of their vanishing act. Preliminary evidence points to habitat loss, specifically the diminishing presence of gum trees and bushland in suburban areas, as the primary driver behind the Christmas beetle’s disappearance.
In response to this ecological concern, the University of Sydney and Invertebrates Australia have collaborated to establish a register aimed at tracking the whereabouts of the AWOL Christmas beetles. This initiative seeks to identify the precise challenges faced by these beetles and assess the extent of their population decline. Given the absence of a formal monitoring program, contributing to research is best achieved by capturing and uploading photos of Christmas beetles through the iNaturalist app.
While Christmas beetles may pose a threat to young eucalypt plants, consuming voraciously during the spring to summer period, their impact is limited to these specific circumstances. With gums constituting their primary source of sustenance, eucalypt plantations are particularly susceptible to their feeding habits.
Native to Australia, Christmas beetles encompass a diverse array of 35 species, showcasing hues ranging from gold and brown to vibrant purples and greens. These scarab family members are distinguished by their lustrous and bright exoskeletons. Attracted to bright lights, Christmas beetles are often spotted at dusk or early evening, congregating predominantly around gum trees for their leafy feasts. Despite their captivating presence, these beetles are characterized by their clumsy flight, emitting a distinctive buzzing sound as they navigate their surroundings in search of nourishment.
