Symbol of Christmas in Australia missing, researchers urge public to look out for festive beetles

Christmas Beetles were once an indication of the Australian Summer month and Christmas. The tiny harmless bugs were found in abundance during the 1930s. While that has changed, It’s hard to even catch a glimpse of them in most Australian Regions.

The researchers, in collaboration with Invertebrates Australia, are inviting people in the community to photograph the beetles and upload the images to the iNaturalist app or website. “If we see an area that anciently has had Christmas beetles or a specific Christmas beetle species and we’re not seeing any reports in it, we can target that area to … then do professional surveys,” says Assoc Prof Tanya Latty, an entomologist at the University of Sydney.



Christmas beetles are a type of scarab beetle that is native to Australia. They are known for their shiny, iridescent green or gold color and are often seen around Christmas time, hence their name. There are several species of Christmas beetles in Australia, including Anoplognathus spp., Austroplatypus incompertus, and Phyllophaga spp. These insects are important pollinators and play a vital role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

There have been reports of declining populations of some species of Christmas beetles in Australia in recent years. The exact reasons for these declines are not fully understood, but they may be due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, changes in weather patterns, and pesticide usage. Dr Latty says, "There are lots of people who seem to know that these beetles used to be in massive numbers, you know - 10, 20 years ago but that doesn't seem to be happening anymore".

To help protect Christmas beetles and other insect species, it is important to take steps to preserve and restore natural habitats, minimize the use of pesticides, and adopt practices that promote the health and sustainability of ecosystems.

FAQs:

1. How many species of Christmas beetle are there?
   There are around 35 endemic species of Christmas beetle.
2. Why does insect population decline matter?
   Insect population declines can reduce the ecosystem services provided by beneficial bugs, such as crop pollination and biological waste disposal