Seen as a symbol of Christmas in Australia, the beetles seem to have gone missing in recent years.
While some start the festive season to the tunes of Mariah Carey, for many Australians there is another way of knowing Christmas is on the way.
The beetles - which don't bite or sting, and are harmless - used to be a very common sight. In 1932, they were so prolific Queenslanders could be paid one pound to catch 200. But the researchers hope to get clearer answers through the "Christmas beetle count project", led by Dr Latty.
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