Anoplognathus spChristmas Beetle (Anoplognathus macleayi) Anoplognathus porosus

Christmas Beetle (Anoplognathus macleayi) are scarabs that are sometimes referenced in the subfamilia Rutelinae, and belonging to the family Scarabaeidae, genus Anoplognathus, consisting of more then 30 species.

Found in parts of Western Australia, Central Australia and into the northern parts of the Territory, Anoplognathus macleayi, the Christmas Beetles are relatively large with spiny legs that are used for digging.

Sometimes known as a member of the Shining Leaf Chafers, in the subfamily Rutelinae, this is most likely the subspecies Anoplognathus macleayi ssp. macleayi.

Christmas Beetle (Anoplognathus macleayi)
Christmas Beetle (Anoplognathus macleayi), Palm Valley, Central Australia

The pictured beetle is cream with a slight gold colouration. Christmas beetles are quite vibrant in appearance, and depending on the species, often yellow, golden or a bright metallic green.

These scarab beetles reproduce yearly, with the eggs laid into the soil. The larva feed and grow through the year. Pupation takes a few weeks, with the adults emerging in spring to early summer.

As adults, Christmas beetles tend to feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves.

Christmas Beetle (Anoplognathus macleayi)
Christmas Beetle (Anoplognathus macleayi), Palm Valley, Central Australia

  • Scientific classification
  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Subphylum: Hexapoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Subclass: Pterygota
  • Order: Coleoptera
  • Suborder: Polyphaga
  • Infraorder: Scarabaeiformia
  • Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
  • Family: Scarabaeidae
  • Subfamily: Rutelinae
  • Tribe: Anoplognathini
  • Subtribe: Anoplognathina
  • Genus: Anoplognathus
  • Species: Anoplognathus macleayi
  • Subspecies:
    • Anoplognathus macleayi ssp. aurora
    • Anoplognathus macleayi ssp. macleayi

Footnote & References

  1. Anoplognathus macleayi, iNaturalistAU, https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/taxa/895769-Anoplognathus-macleayi

Anoplognathus spChristmas Beetle (Anoplognathus macleayi) Anoplognathus porosus

ColeopteraColeoptera Index Amarygmus sp Anoplognathus sp Aphanestes gymnopleura Blackburnium cavicolle Buprestidae Carphurus Cerambycidae Chalcopteroides (Chalcopterus Beetle) Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles) Coleoptera (Beetles) Curculionidae Dung Beetle Eretes australis Helea scaphiformis Hydrophilus Ladybirds (Beetles) Lepidiota Lucanidae Lycidae Neospades sp Omorgus Paropsine Beetle Paropsisterna sp Phorticosomus sp Protaetia fusca Pterohelaeus sp Rhipiceridae Scarabaeidae Tenebrionidae Xylophilostenus octophyllus

InsectsBees Beetles Blattodea Butterflies Coleoptera Cicada Crabronidae Diptera Dragonflies & Damselflies Formicidae Hemiptera Heteroptera Moths Orthoptera Orthopteroid Processionary Caterpillar Stink Bugs, Shield Bugs and Allies Wasps Water Scorpion (Laccotrephes tristis) Witchetty Grub