Invasive Argentinian scarab beetles being mistaken for Christmas beetles
Source: ABC News | By Declan Bowring | 9 Dec 2023
Sydney residents are reporting a surge in Christmas beetles in their backyards, suggesting the seasonal insect has made a comeback following years of decline.
Key points:
- Anecdotal reports to ABC Radio Sydney suggest Christmas beetle numbers are on the rise after years in decline
- More than 1,000 sightings have been reported but a scientist says it is too early to tell if they have bounced back
- An entomologist says Christmas beetles look a lot like Argentinian scarab beetles, which are considered a pest
Allan in Hornsby told ABC Radio Sydney "hordes" of beetles flew into his home on Tuesday night, and declared they were "back with a vengeance".
"We had the mass kamikaze attack last night," Allan said.
Helen in Ermington also thought they had gone forever, but then had a few land on her back screen door that evening.
An entomologist running a Christmas beetle tracking project said people were increasingly mistaking the native insect for a similar-looking invasive pest.
Tanya Latty said the Argentinian lawn scarab was small, brownish, and looked a lot like a Christmas beetle at first glance.
Continue Reading at ABC News
Learn more about the Invertebrates Christmas Beetle Count Here
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Gabrielle
[City] NSW
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