The University of Sydney and Invertebrates Australia program tracking Christmas beetles has reached a milestone of 20,000 citizen-science observations submitted via the iNaturalist platform. Australia’s beloved Christmas beetle, a shimmering symbol of summer, is declining and scientists are calling on the public to help them uncover why.

The joint project led by entomologist Associate Professor Tanya Latty, launched in November 2022, has now logged these observations but researchers say much more data is needed to understand the alarming decline.

“Christmas beetles are an iconic part of the Australian summer,” Associate Professor Latty said.

“They play a vital role in ecosystems, yet sightings have dropped dramatically over the past few decades. People claim that we don't see them in the numbers that we used to, but we don't have that data. We need the public’s help to figure out what’s happening.

In a recent interview, Associate Professor Latty told the BBC: “There are lots of people who seem to remember that these beetles used to be in massive numbers, you know 10, 20 years ago. But that doesn't seem to be happening anymore.

“The project asks Australians to upload pictures of any Christmas beetles they see this festive season to an app, to work out how many there are and what may be contributing to their apparent decline,” she told the BBC.

Every observation helps scientists investigate potential causes such as habitat loss, climate change and urban development.

“Without numbers, we can't even begin to address the conservation issues here,” Associate Professor Latty said.

At this point the project has rediscovered six species, not seen for a decade.

Why does it matter?

Christmas beetles are more than just a seasonal spectacle, they’re vital to healthy ecosystems.

Associate Professor Latty wrote in The Conversation that “these insects play an important ecological role. Since they emerge at a predictable time of the year when many reptiles, mammals and birds are producing and raising their young, adult Christmas beetles may be an important food source..

“The larvae of Christmas beetles’ tunnel through the soil helping to aerate it and to recycle organic matter. They likely serve as a protein and fat-rich meal for hungry birds, reptiles and mammals.”

Previous studies suggest urban development and changing weather patterns may be contributing factors, but without widespread observations, scientists can’t confirm the causes.

What you can do

• Download the iNaturalist app or visit the website. 
• Photograph any Christmas beetles you see.
• Upload and become a citizen scientist!

About Associate Professor Tanya Latty

Tanya Latty is an entomologist with a special interest in insect behaviour and ecology. Her highly interdisciplinary work involves local and international collaborations with researchers in a broad range of fields including mathematics, computer science, forestry and operations research.