Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Anoplognathus
    Species
    abnormis
    Subfamily
    Rutelinae
    Family
    Scarabaeidae
    Order
    Coleoptera
    Class
    Insecta
    Subphylum
    Uniramia
    Phylum
    Arthopoda
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    Length: 12 - 18mm

Introduction

The species name abnormis means “abnormal”, referring to the distinctive patterning on its head and pronotum.


What does Anoplognathus abnormis look like?

Identification

Light brown; black longitudinal markings on centre of head, pronotum, and base of elytra; pale brown markings on margins and base of the elytra, although sometimes faded or absent. Underside dark to red-brown; metaventral process light brown; thorax and abdomen with very fine, white hair, except on midline. Legs red-brown; femora pale brown; tarsi dark.


  • Clypeus

    Clypeus: Round; slightly recurved along front margin.

  • Foretibia

    Foretibia: Two distinct tibial teeth.

  • Metaventral process

    Metaventral process: Pale; narrow; slightly curved; apex overhanging forecoxae.

  • Pygidium

    Pygidium: Brown; with very fine, short, white hair.



Where is Anoplognathus abnormis found?

Distribution

East QLD coast, from Cape York to Gold Coast.



What species are similar to Anoplognathus abnormis?

Similar species

A rothschildti, Cyclocephala signaticollis

Anoplognathus abnormis has a unique and distinct black pattern on its pronotum, and light brown borders on its elytra. The pronotum is not metallic, and the mid and hind tarsi are similar in size to the fore tarsi, not significantly longer.