I am going to have to get a macro lens for my camera so I can take better close-up photos of the insects in the garden. The fiddler beetle, measuring just 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6-0.8in) or Eupoecila australasiae, to use its scientific name, is a welcome visitor during the summer months on the east coast of Australia. It emerges from underground to feed on nectar of native trees such as Melaleuca and Tea-tree. Its larvae are good compost makers as they feed on rotting wood and help with the decomposition process . This beetle belongs to the large family of Scarab beetles which were much revered by the ancient Egyptians as their form was used to create decorative amulets.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVi2n9Mij8v5QiykIZ-ZL_x-DK93EJWkXNCEihpfIgLmWk6LE0S7ZV3AQHSh_fyvnpsHVcVi_E7gevrvDxhLEtyV8LNqvfqXAy6NKvTFmFgKG8UDxQtLBf2eOa2Dhr9jnEs9jM7arLoc/s400/Scarab550bc.jpg)
Reproduction of an Egyptian amulet based on the scarab beetle
I see many beetles here, but none like markings like the fiddler beetle.
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