[James Matthew Najera]

The Christmas Beetle​

Credit: Facebook / Aje Morris

Do you remember playing with the Christmas Beetle when you were younger? These used to be really common but have significantly declined in number. Some say it’s because of habitat loss, while others argue it is due to chemicals in the air. What do you think was the reason?

Do you have other nostalgia finds from yesteryears? Share them here!

 

[Wandiwa]

Never heard of Xmas beetles? In WA as a kid we used to get Xmas spiders, small and thorny, don't see them anymore. Different colours and the body smaller than a pea.

 

[gamiry]

Never heard of Xmas beetles? In WA as a kid we used to get Xmas spiders, small and thorny, don't see them anymore. Different colours and the body smaller than a pea.

I wonder where you came from originally because the beautiful Christmas Beetle was everywhere in their millions. It breaks my heart that you don't see them any more, at least in Qld. We played with them, collected them and even had them in our hair. They were so pretty.

 

[NotNats]

Same here in NSW - rarely see them any more. I can remember if you left your outside lights on or blinds open with your light on Hundreds of them would come to the lighted area.

 

[Bubbag1rl]

Yes,I remember them.Haven't seen any for years up here on the Qld central coast.Used to have to pull them out of my hair when I was a kid.They had a distinct smell too.

 

[gamiry]

Same here in NSW - rarely see them any more. I can remember if you left your outside lights on or blinds open with your light on Hundreds of them would come to the lighted area.

and so pretty in the NSW Christmas tree.

 

[novezar]

Their bright colours were very stunning indeed. Still see one very occasionally, but unfortunately, not like yesteryear. Youngens of today don't know wot they're missing out on the simple things of being.