“The Christmas beetle belongs to the family Scarabaeidae. It is a name commonly given to the Australian beetle, genus Anoplognathus. They are known as Christmas beetles because they are abundant in urban areas close to Christmas. Christmas beetles are relatively large beetles which grow to around 20 millimeters in length and can be present in large numbers throughout the summer months. There are 35 species of Christmas beetles right across Australia, but most prefer the moister east and south easterly areas, especially near the coast. Many are glossy or brightly colored and are often attracted to lights at night around Christmas time,” explains Animal Corner.
The 35 species of Anoplognathus belong to the subfamily Rutelinae in the Family Scarabaeidae. Mostly active at night, Christmas beetles are often attracted to lights.
Life Cycle
Christmas beetles larvae live and develop in the soil where they eat plant roots or decaying organic matter. At the end of winter or in early spring the larvae pupate close to the soil surface. After rain has softened the soil allowing them dig their way out, adults emerge several weeks later. Then, adults fly to the nearest food plant to feed and mate.
Depending on the species, their life cycle lasts one to two years. Females can lay between 20 to 40 eggs each.
Bite
Beetle bites can occur from the following species: blister beetles, stag beetles, and long-horned beetles. With blister beetles, they feed on crops and gardens, so human contact is possible. The male does not bite because he doesn’t have enough strength in his jaw. The female does bite and has enough power in her jaw.
Appearance
Christmas beetles range from 15 – 40 mm in size and come in many colors. They are green or black in color, but most of the Christmas beetles are golden brown.
Diet
When weather conditions favor the emergence of large numbers, adult Christmas beetles feed on the leaves of Eucalyptus trees and can cause severe defoliation.
Do they fly?
Christmas beetles can fly, and they cover distances of several kilometers. They fly at dusk, and they end up buzzing around front porches since they are attracted to lights after dark.
What is the purpose of Christmas beetles?
Christmas beetle babies spend an entire year growing up in small chambers just underneath the surface of the soil, and they are c-shaped grubs.
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