Living With Christmas Beetles

Here in Indiana, the cold temperatures, snow, howling winds and lack of food have forced beetles into overwintering sites. Down Under, Summer has just begun and Christmas there is greeted by summer insects. Scarab beetles in the genus Anoplognathus are collectively known as “Christmas Beetles”. The larvae of these beetles spend the majority of their life underground. In late spring they emerge and begin mating and feeding on tree foliage. Many of the species have bright colors, tiny natural ornaments that “decorate” the trees. These beetles are featured by CSIRO as one of their wall papers.

Christmas Beetles
Photo: CSIRO