Anoplognathus smaragdinus
Anoplognathus macalpinei
Introduction
The species name smaragdinus means “emerald green”, referring to the distinctive colouration of its typical form.
What does Anoplognathus smaragdinus look like?
Identification
Various colour forms. Iridescent, usually green, rarely red or indigo, often an intermediate form with green or red iridescence still present. Underside consistent with colour form, I.e. green, red, indigo, or any intermediate colour. Legs yellow to red brown; tarsi darker, with green to red reflections.
Clypeus
Clypeus: Contracted before apex; front margin abruptly recurved; apex square.
Foretibia
Foretibia: Two distinct tibial teeth.
Metaventral process
Metaventral process: Robust; curved; apex overhanging forecoxae.
Pygidium
Pygidium: Consistent with colour form, i.e. green, red, indigo, or any intermediate colour; smooth surface texture; with few, short, erect, brown hairs at apex.
Where is Anoplognathus smaragdinus found?
Distribution
East QLD coast, from Cape York to Rockhampton.
What species are similar to Anoplognathus smaragdinus?
Similar species
Anoplognathus macalpinei
Anoplognathus smaragdinus is similar to A. macalpinei. They both have different colour forms, however the pygidium of A. smaragdinus is always consistent in colour with the rest of its body, not a yellow to red-brown. Males also have a contracted clypeus, not smoothly rounded.
The species has different colour forms which need to be considered for accurate identification.
