Fiddler Beetle
Scientific name: Eupoecila australasiae
Click to enlarge image
The Fiddler Beetle, Eupoecila australasiae has distinctive violin-shaped markings on its back, which is how it got its common name.
Image: Sarah Hibberd
© Sarah Hibberd
© Sarah Hibberd
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Eupoecila
- Species
- australasiae
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 2cm
Introduction
Fiddler Beetles are common around Sydney and are named for the fiddle (violin) shaped patterns on their backs.
Fiddler Beetle, Eupoecila australasiae.
Image: Chris Clarke
© CC BY 4.0
© CC BY 4.0
Habitat
Fiddler Beetles are common in heath and woodlands in south-eastern Australia.
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
Feeding and diet
Adult beetles emerge from soil in early summer and feed on the nectar of flowers.
Life history cycle
Female Fiddler Beetles lay their eggs in rotting logs or in the damp soil under logs. The grubs feed on rotting timber and build cocoons of soil and debris in which they pupate.
Fiddler beetle face
Image: Sarah Hibberd© Sarah Hibberd
Danger to humans
These attractive beetles are harmless to humans.
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