Researchers from Melbourne University have discovered how Australia’s Christmas beetles moderate their body temperature through the use of their colourful carapaces.
There are approximately 36 species of Christmas beetle in Australia and the colour of different species’ “elytra” or hard shell can vary widely. The body temperature of some small animals like insects is directly dependent on their environment and even small changes can impact their fitness.
Christmas beetles are most active from December through to January, which in Australia is the summer period, featuring high temperatures, strong sunlight, and low humidity. In this climate, poor heat regulation could force these beetles to search for shelter instead of a mate, resulting in extinction….