Emerald Tip Beetle, Anoplognathus brunnipennis
A. pallidicollus, A. suturalis and other mid-sized brown Christmas beetles.
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© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Anoplognathus
- Species
- brunnipennis
- Subfamily
- Rutelinae
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- Length: 18 – 25 mm
Introduction
The species name brunnipennis means “green fire”, referring to its distinctive green pygidium which bears red iridescence.
The common name “Emerald Tip Beetle” was provided by Pip Wells.
What does Anoplognathus brunnipennis look like?
Identification
Yellow to red brown, with golden green to red reflections on head, pronotum and scutellum. Underside dark copper green; thorax with long, white hair, expect on midline; abdomen with very few, fine, short, white hairs, mainly restricted to lateral areas. Legs yellow to red brown, with golden to red reflections; tarsi black, with green reflections.
Clypeus
Clypeus: Contracted before apex; front margin abruptly recurved; apex square.
Foretibia
Foretibia: Three distinct tibial teeth.
Metaventral process
Metaventral process: Long; narrow; flat; apex overhanging forecoxae.
Pygidium
Pygidium: Metaliic green, with red iridescence; slightly rough surface texture; with very few, fine, erect yellow hairs.
Where is Anoplognathus brunnipennis found?
Distribution
South East Australia; Brisbane, Queensland to Melbourne, Victoria.
What species are similar to Anoplognathus brunnipennis?
Similar species
A. pallidicollus, A. suturalis and other mid-sized brown Christmas beetles.
Anoplognathus brunnipennis has a striking, green pygidium, not brown, in contrast to its brown body. The pygidium also lacks any setae, and is not hairy. Its metaventral process is long, overhanging the fore coxae. It also lacks any setae.
