Campfire Beetle, Anoplognathus concolor, dorsal Click to enlarge image
Campfire Beetle, Anoplognathus concolor, dorsal Image: Mike Burleigh
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Anoplognathus
    Species
    concolor
    Subfamily
    Rutelinae
    Family
    Scarabaeidae
    Order
    Coleoptera
    Class
    Insecta
    Subphylum
    Uniramia
    Phylum
    Arthopoda
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    Length: 15 – 22mm

Introduction

The species name concolor means “monochromatic”, referring to its brown colour and lack of colourful reflections. The common name “Campfire Beetle” was provided by Aditi Khamar.


What does Anoplognathus concolor look like?

Identification

Mid to pale brown; middle of elytra lacking pigmentation and edges with pale patches of opaqueness, giving a distinctive “water-soaked” appearance. Underside red brown, centre of metaventrite black; thorax with long, fine yellow hairs, except on mi



  • Clypeus

    Clypeus: Round; slightly recurved at front margin.

  • Foretibia

    Foretibia: Two distinct tibial teeth.

  • Metaventral process

    Metaventral process: Narrow, flat, apically lighter brown; apex overhanging forecoxae.

  • Pygidium

    Pygidium: Red-brown; with short, flat, white hairs.



Where is Anoplognathus concolor found?

Distribution

East Australia; Cairns, QLD, Batemans Bay, NSW.



What species are similar to Anoplognathus concolor?

Similar species

A. pallidicollis, A. rothschildti

Anoplognathus concolor has mottled, pale patches on its elytra, although this is sometimes not obvious so careful observation is required. Metaventrite black in centreand brown at sides, and with a brown apex to its metaventral process. The pronotum is a uniform brown, with no colourful reflections or dark markings.