Granny Smith Beetle, Anoplognathus prasinus
Anoplognathus multiseriatus
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© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Anoplognathus
- Species
- prasinus
- Subfamily
- Rutelinae
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- Length: 17 – 22 mm
Introduction
The species name prasinus means “leek green”, referring to its distinctive green colouration and pale margins.
The common name “Granny Smith Beetle” was provided by Robert Fairhead.
What does Anoplognathus prasinus look like?
Identification
Pale to pure green; with cream to brown margins and elytral suture. Underside green; abdomen often darker than thorax and with yellow brown margin to second last abdominal segment; thorax with long, white hair, sparser on midline; abdomen with very few, fine, short, white hairs, restricted to lateral areas. Legs green with yellow brown margins; tarsi yellow to mid brown.
Clypeus
Clypeus: Strongly contracted before apex; front margin abruptly recurved.
Foretibia
Foretibia: Three tibial teeth, two distinct, one weak.
Metaventral process
Metaventral process: Narrow; slightly curved; apex overhanging forecoxae.
Pygidium
Pygidium: Dark green, with sparse, very fine, very short, flat, white hairs.
Where is Anoplognathus prasinus found?
Distribution
East Australian coast, from Bundaberg, QLD, to Wollongong, NSW.
What species are similar to Anoplognathus prasinus?
Similar species
Anoplognathus multiseriatus
Anoplognathus prasinus is somewhat similar in size and shape to A. multiseriatus, but is a paler green and has a creamto brown border on the margins and suture of its elytra.
