Description:
Christmas beetles are a kind of Scarab Beetle. Scarab beetles are the second largest family of beetles in Australia, next to weevils. The family is quite varied and includes small to large beetles ranging in size from 2 to 70 millimetres in length depending on the species. Many species are brightly coloured and the males of others have coloured horns on their head which are often used to fight other male beetles. Most scarabs can fly, many being attracted to lights at night during the warmer months. Christmas beetles have 6 legs. They have two big eyes on their heads.
Food: eucalyptus leaves
Predators: birds, some other insects, small mammals.
Habitat: Christmas Beetles live on or near Eucalyptus Trees.
Life Cycle: egg, larva, pupa, adult. The larvae moult their skins several times before becoming a pupae.
