Anoplognathus suturalis
A. hirsutus, A. brunnipennis
Introduction
The species name suturalis means “sutured”, referring to the dark sutural edges of the elytra.
What does Anoplognathus suturalis look like?
Identification
Yellow or red brown, with golden green to pruple reflections; head, pronotum and scutellum often darker with stronger reflections than elytra; clypeus and head with erect, white hair. Underside black, with green reflections; thorax with dense, long, erect, white hair; abdomen sparser, shorter, erect, white hair. Legs mid to red brown, mid and hind legs with long, erect, white hair; tarsi dark.
Clypeus
Clypeus: Quite rectangular; slightly narrowing apically; recurved; front margin mostly square; with erect, white hair, also present on front of head.
Foretibia
Foretibia: Three tibial teeth, two strong, one weak.
Metaventral process
Metaventral process: Triangular; flat; with long erect, white hair; apex reaching halfway to forecoxae.
Pygidium
Pygidium: Metallic green; slightly rough surface texture; with long erect, white hair, and yellow to brown hair near apex.
Where is Anoplognathus suturalis found?
Distribution
South East Australia, from Stanthorpe, QLD, to Melbourne, VIC and Tasmania.
What species are similar to Anoplognathus suturalis?
Similar species
A. hirsutus, A. brunnipennis
Anoplognathus suturalis has a sharp metaventral process covered with long seate, not rounded or bald. The apices of its elytra are squarely cut and continuous, not individually rounded.
Setae can often be worn or broken, especially on old specimens, so it is important to check other features for accurate identification.
