About Lord Howe Island Beetle
A scarab beetle endemic to Lord Howe Island with metallic green coloring. It has suffered severe decline due to introduced rats.
Did You Know?
This beetle was once so abundant it was considered a pest but is now extremely rare after rat introduction in 1918.
How to Identify Lord Howe Island Beetle
Lord Howe Island Beetle (Anoplognathus macleayi) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 2-3 cm.
Lord Howe Island Beetle Habitat
Lord Howe Island Beetle is found in forests habitats, particularly across Australia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Lord Howe Island Beetle Diet and Feeding
Lord Howe Island Beetle is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Lord Howe Island Beetle Found?
Lord Howe Island Beetle can be found in Australia, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Lord Howe Island Beetle can be found
Is Lord Howe Island Beetle Dangerous?
Lord Howe Island Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Lord Howe Island Beetle Role in Nature
Lord Howe Island Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Lord Howe Island Beetle
What does Lord Howe Island Beetle look like?
The Lord Howe Island Beetle typically measures 2-3 cm.
Where is Lord Howe Island Beetle found?
The Lord Howe Island Beetle is found in Australia and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Lord Howe Island Beetle eat?
The Lord Howe Island Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Lord Howe Island Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Lord Howe Island Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Lord Howe Island Beetle endangered?
The Lord Howe Island Beetle is currently classified as Critically Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Lord Howe Island Beetle?
This beetle was once so abundant it was considered a pest but is now extremely rare after rat introduction in 1918.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Lord Howe Island Beetle (Anoplognathus macleayi). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lord-howe-island-beetle
MLA:
"Lord Howe Island Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lord-howe-island-beetle.