 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2021) |
| Anoplognathus pallidicollis | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Scarabaeidae |
| Genus: | Anoplognathus |
| Species: | A. pallidicollis
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| Binomial name | |
| Anoplognathus pallidicollis Blanchard, 1851
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Anoplognathus pallidicollis is a relatively large beetle of the family Scarabaeidae, native to Australia. The beetle has a life span of 24 months and it grows up to 20 mm in length. Adults were once common in the summer months, particularly around Christmas, resulting in the common name of Christmas beetle for the species (and also for other members of its genus).
The beetles have rich glossy brown elytra and clypeus, and clawed legs covered in multiple barbs. Like all Anoplognathus species, the forelegs are of uneven lengths, possibly to better enable them to cling to thin Eucalyptus leaves.[citation needed]
The beetles are nocturnal, and are attracted to lights at night. They can often be found around outdoor lighting or crawling into homes. Studies show that they are most active around sunset and the hours immediately after.[1]
Their numbers are believed to be in decline, most likely due to habitat loss.[2]
- ^ Steinbauer, M. J.; Weir, T. A. (2004). "Summer phenologies, nocturnal activity patterns and biologies of adult Scarabaeoidea (Bolboceratidae, Scarabaeidae, Trogidae) representative of the southern tablelands of New South Wales". CRC for Forestry. Archived from the original on 8 July 2007.
- ^ "Where have all the Christmas beetles gone?". Australian Museum. 24 December 2020. Archived from the original on 31 July 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2022.