Anoplognathus aureus
Anoplognathus parvulus
Introduction
The species name aureus means “golden”, referring to its striking golden colouration.
What does Anoplognathus aureus look like?
Identification
Metallic golden yellow-green, rarely coppery-red. Underside metallic gold, except last abdominal segment often partly brown; thorax with very fine, sparse, white hair except on midline; abdomen with very few, fine, white hairs. Legs non-metallic, light brown; tarsi dark.
Clypeus
Clypeus: Round; slightly contracted before apex; recurved along front margin.
Foretibia
Foretibia: Two distinct tibial teeth.
Metaventral process
Metaventral process: Long, slightly curved; apex reaching hind margin of forecoxae.
Pygidium
Pygidium: Gold; smooth surface; with very few, fine, erect, yellow hairs.
Where is Anoplognathus aureus found?
Distribution
East Qld coast, from below Cape York to Rockhampton.
What species are similar to Anoplognathus aureus?
Similar species
Anoplognathus parvulus
Anoplognathus aureus is very similar to A. parvulus. However it is usually smaller (13 – 16mm), a yellower gold, and has a long, sharp metaventral process, not short or bluntly rounded. The male clypeus is shorter and more evenly rounded.
The species has different colour forms which need to be considered for proper identification.
