Christmas Beetle Mania – Gardening Australia
Clarence Explores the Fascinating World of Christmas Beetles at the Australian Museum
Clarence, a nature enthusiast, recently paid a visit to the Australian Museum in Sydney to delve deeper into the captivating world of insects. Among the vast array of invertebrates, Clarence’s attention was captured by the intriguing Christmas beetle, one of Australia’s most beloved insects.
Invertebrate displays at museums are always a treasure trove of knowledge, as these creatures make up a staggering 90-95% of all living animals on Earth. From insects to spiders and beetles, there is so much to learn and discover. Clarence discovered that there are over 500,000 beetle species alone, and surprisingly, our knowledge about most of them remains limited. But what makes the Christmas beetle so special?
According to Dr. Chris Reid, curator at the Australian Museum, there are 35 known species of Christmas beetles in Australia. Each one is a native marvel. One such species is the King Beetle (Anoplognathus viridiaeneus), which was once commonly found in the Sydney area but has become a rare sight in recent times.
Renowned for their iridescent sheen, scientists are still unsure of the precise purpose of this dazzling feature. However, the highly glossy specimens, like the Gold Christmas Beetle (Anoplognathus aureus), can be found in the tropical rainforests of northern Australia.
Most Christmas beetles, specifically the Anoplognathus species, feed on Eucalyptus trees and tend to thrive in the Great Dividing Range. Surprisingly, in certain areas like Orange-Bathurst and the Blue Mountains, it is not uncommon to find up to five species on a single tree, as Chris enthusiastically shared.
These enchanting insects have a short lifespan, with both male and female beetles living for just a month or two. During this time, they find mates on foliage, after which the female beetle lays her eggs in the soil. Once hatched, the larvae, known as curl grubs, reside in the soil until they undergo metamorphosis into adult beetles. The mature beetles then utilize their powerful hind legs to dig their way out and enter the world.
Distinguishing between male and female beetles without the aid of a microscope can be challenging. Nonetheless, all Christmas beetles possess a forward-facing spike beneath their bodies, potentially used for warding off rivals. Furthermore, their sturdy legs are perfectly designed for digging through the soil.
During Clarence’s exploration, he had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Tanya Latty and Dr. Kate Umbers, the co-founders of Invertebrates Australia. These dedicated scientists are taking efforts to address the gaps in our knowledge about Christmas beetles through a project called the Christmas Beetle Count.
Dr. Latty and Dr. Umbers have launched a call to action, urging Australians to contribute to this project by photographing any Christmas beetles they encounter and uploading the images to the iNaturalist website for identification confirmation. This valuable information will be used to map the population of these cherished insects. For assistance in identifying the different species, the Australian Museum has developed the Xmas Beetle ID Guide mobile app, enabling citizen scientists to participate and record their sightings accurately.
Gardeners can also play a significant role in supporting beetle populations by planting a diverse range of Australian native plants, which provide essential nourishment for various invertebrates.
Understanding the distinction between Christmas beetle curl grubs and their lawn-eating scarab beetle counterparts can be quite challenging. However, differentiating between the adults becomes easier, as Christmas beetles typically boast thicker legs, and many display a distinctive ‘duck-bill’ countenance.
Interestingly, many people recall witnessing an abundance of Christmas beetles during the festive season in the past. However, as scientists gather more data, it seems that this remarkable phenomenon has become increasingly rare.
In order to preserve the Christmas beetle’s presence and better understand its behavior, it is crucial for individuals to come forward and participate in ongoing efforts to study and monitor these magnificent creatures. By engaging with projects like the Christmas Beetle Count and nurturing their natural habitats, we can ensure the continued existence and vitality of these cherished insects.
So, let’s all join Clarence, Dr. Latty, and Dr. Umbers on their mission to shed light on the world of Christmas beetles and help safeguard their place in Australia’s remarkable biodiversity.
Remember, if you happen to stumble upon a curl grub while tending to your garden, there’s no need to panic or resort to insecticides. These grubs, whether found in decaying wood or compost, play a vital role in breaking down waste and should be left undisturbed. A few grubs within a garden bed are unlikely to cause significant damage and may even help facilitate soil aeration. However, if you encounter an infestation that visibly impacts your plants, consider feeding some grubs to local birds. For potted plants, it is advisable to remove any grubs and relocate them to the garden.
With their fascinating biology, alluring appearance, and ecological significance, Christmas beetles are undoubtedly deserving of our admiration and protection. So, embrace the Christmas Beetle Count project, lend a helping hand to these remarkable insects, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity that surrounds us.
By actively engaging in the preservation of Christmas beetles, we can ensure that their iridescent charm continues to enchant generations to come.
