What are Christmas beetles?
Christmas beetles are shiny, scarab beetles found in Australia that appear in large numbers around Christmas time. Their metallic colors range from gold and green to brown, and they have become a symbol of the Australian summer.
There are dozens of species of Christmas beetles in the genus Anoplognathus. They are most common in eastern Australia, especially near eucalyptus trees, whose leaves the adults eat.
The larvae, called curl grubs, live underground and feed on grass roots. After about a year, they emerge as adults during early summer.
Fewer beetles
Many older Australians remember swarms of Christmas beetles flying around lights on summer evenings. Many people have noticed they are now less common in cities.
Scientists believe that habitat loss, urban development and changes to grasslands may have contributed to the decline. The Australian Museum has run a citizen science project to track Christmas beetle sightings.
Christmas beetles are harmless to humans. In large numbers, they can strip leaves from eucalyptus trees, but they also provide food for birds and other animals. The beetles are attracted to lights at night.