There is something particularly endearing about passalid beetles. They live in family groups, the adults caring for their growing larvae under rotting logs. And they’re vocal! When disturbed, they buzz in a way that is clearly audible to humans.

Aulacocyclus edentulus (Bess beetle)

Click beetles can be devilishly difficult to identify, but this one is distinguished by its large size (36mm long) … and those extraordinary antennae!

Pseudotetralobus (click beetle)

These large, ferocious-looking beetles were about in numbers. They are regular attendees at January light sheets.

Cnemoplites australis (longhorn beetle)

Another summer regular, and a close relative of the iconic ‘Christmas beetle’ (genus Anoplognathus). These relatively large beetles feed both as larvae and as adults: the larvae on decaying wood, compost or roots; the adults on leaves and flowers.

Schizognathus burmeisteri (shining leaf chafer)

Yet another beetle drawn to the bright light.

Phyllotocus bimaculatus (nectar scarab)