PEST

NAME
Christmas Beetle
Anoplognathus Species

ORDER
Coleoptera

FAMILY
Scarabaeidae

Description of the Pest
Christmas beetles are large up to 200mm (ľin) long. The adults have astout body shape the antennae are flattened into discs.The common species Anoplognathus pallidicollis and Anoplognathus porosus have shiny buffed tan-brown elytra (wing covers) and a metallic green coloured head. Another species (Anoplognathussmaragdinus) are very showy with metallic blue, orange or green colourings. The plump larvae (commonly known as the 'curl grub`) are creamy-white in colour with a dark area near the end of the abdomen.

     
A shiny brown adult that is found in the warmer regions of Australia and is up to 20mm long. This beetle feed on the leaves and when swarming may strip the host tree.

Life Cycle
This insect has a Holometabolouslife cycle, i.e. it has alarvaland a pupal stage.
The larvae pupate in the soil and the beetles emerge in summer with usually one generation per year.
The larvae can live for up to two years. Adults may live for up to a year, this varies for the species concerned.

Distribution of the Pest
Adult beetles appear in spring with the warmer weather and are found inland or on the coast from temperate to subtropical regions where large numbers attack the foliage of suitable trees. The larvae are not commonly noticed as they burrow and chew the roots of grasses or small plants. This family of insects is found world wide, including Australia.



Period of Activity
The beetles are active from spring to mid summer preferring the warmer weather and the larva feed from late summer to autumn.

Damage Caused
The beetles chew large sections out of the new leaves (a saw tooth pattern to the margin of the leaf) and shoots causing defoliation of the trees when heavily infested and repetitive attack may cause the decline of the host.
The larva eats the roots grasses and in confined situations nursery stock and container plants.
The larvas cause death of grasses as their roots have been severed from their stem. Young plants in confined situations such as pots can also suffer severe damage and may die.
The larvae have little affect on large trees and shrubs

Susceptible Plants
The adult beetles primarily attack many Eucalyptus and Corymbia species but may also be found on Melaleucaand Leptospermum species.
The lava feed mainly on the roots of grasses. The roots of vegetables can also be attacked.

Control

Cultural Control
Small infestations may be removal by hand where possible. Adult beetles can also be controlled manually by knocking them off a small plant and placing the adults into a bucket containing soapy water. Resistant cultivars or hybrids are being researched.
Maintain the vigour of the trees by addressing stress problems.

BiologicalControl
These insects are part of the Australian ecosystem, and have many predators if the ecosystem is healthy and diverse.

Chemical Control
There is no effective method for spraying adult beetles as they are nomadic.
The larvae may be chemically control in confined areas such as a containerised plant

Note
It is your responsibility by law to read & follow the directions on the label of any pesticide.

Monitoring
Adult beetle are attracted to lights

Amendments by B. Sonsie Dip Hort Sc Burnley