Anoplognathus hirutus
A. suturalis, A. brunnipennis
Introduction
The species name hirutus means “hairy”, referring to its conspicuous erect setae on its head.
The common name “Purple Reign” was provided by Jane Halprin.
What does Anoplognathus hirutus look like?
Identification
Dark yellow or red-brown, with green to purple refelections; head, pronotum and scutellum often darker with stronger reflections then elytra; clypeus, head and front of pronotum with fine, erect, white hair. Underside black; thorax with dense, long, erect, white hair; abdomen with sparser, shorter 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 short, erect, white hair, also present on front of head.
Foretibia
Foretibia: Three tibial eeth; two strong, one weak.
Metaventral process
Metaventral process: Narrow; 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 long, erect, yellow to brown hair near apex.
Where is Anoplognathus hirutus found?
Distribution
South East Australia; Stanthorpe, QLD, to Melbourne, VIC.
What species are similar to Anoplognathus hirutus?
Similar species
A. suturalis, A. brunnipennis
Anoplognathus hirutus had sharp metaventral process covered with long setae, not rounded or bald. The apices of its elytra are individually rounded, not squarely cut or continuous.
Setae can often be worn or broken, especially on old specimens, so it is important to check other features for accurate identification.
