A call for citizen scientists to join the Christmas Beetle Count
By Katie Loughran 20 December 2024
As the holiday season approaches, many Australians delight in the sight of Christmas beetles – a beloved and distinctive part of our festive traditions. These shiny, colourful creatures, with their vibrant green and gold exoskeletons, have long been a symbol of summer in Australia. However, in recent years there has been a concerning decline in their numbers, and scientists are now turning to the public for help to monitor their populations through the ‘Christmas Beetle Count’.
The Christmas beetle, or Anoplognathus species, has traditionally made its appearance in December, when the warmer weather brings them out of the ground to mate and feed on the leaves of eucalyptus trees. Once abundant, these beetles have become a rarer sight in some regions, prompting scientists to investigate the causes behind their decline. Factors such as habitat loss, climate change, and pollution are believed to be contributing to the beetle’s diminishing numbers, and the need for data on their current population has never been more urgent.
Thanks to this growing citizen movement, people have already recorded over 15,000 observations of Christmas beetles, including sightings of species that haven’t been seen in decades. These contributions are invaluable, helping researchers map out the beetles’ distribution and gain insights into their population trends.
One of the most effective ways to support Christmas beetle populations is by planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses in your local area. These plants provide essential food and habitat for beetles, particularly eucalyptus species, which are the beetles’ primary food source. Native grasses also help to improve the soil and create a better environment for beetle larvae to thrive. The more we restore natural habitats with native flora, the more likely we are to see an increase in beetle numbers.
To celebrate the Christmas beetle, many families are also getting creative, making festive Christmas beetle baubles using a simple stencil. The stencil (download available below) can be printed and used to cut out beetle shapes from cardboard or coloured paper. These fun crafts help raise awareness about the beetles while adding a touch of Australian wildlife to holiday decorations.
One of the most effective ways to support Christmas beetle populations is by planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses in your local area. These plants provide essential food and habitat for beetles, particularly eucalyptus species, which are the beetles’ primary food source. Native grasses also help to improve the soil and create a better environment for beetle larvae to thrive. The more we restore natural habitats with native flora, the more likely we are to see an increase in beetle numbers.
To celebrate the Christmas beetle, many families are also getting creative, making festive Christmas beetle baubles using a simple stencil. The stencil (download available below) can be printed and used to cut out beetle shapes from cardboard or coloured paper. These fun crafts help raise awareness about the beetles while adding a touch of Australian wildlife to holiday decorations.
Katie has a broad experience in non-profit program management and communications. Outside of work, she finds joy in gardening, cooking, and hiking. With a passion for animals and environmental conservation, she often spends her weekends volunteering at her local dog shelter and participating in beach clean-ups. Katie's goal is to see 30 million trees planted for National Tree Day.
