Washerwoman, Anoplognathus porosus
A. pallidicollis, A. boisduvali, A. olivieri
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© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Anoplognathus
- Species
- porosus
- Subfamily
- Rutelinae
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- Length: 17 – 25 mm
Introduction
The species name porosus means “with holes”, referring to the distinctive deep pigmented punctures on the elytra.
What does Anoplognathus porosus look like?
Identification
Pale to red brown, with green to rose reflections; head. Pronotum and scutellum often darker with stronger reflections than elytra; elytra with pigmented black ounctures, often forming distinctive, irregular lines. Underside dark red to green; thorax with long, white hair, expect on midline; abdomen with sparse, find short, white hairs, mainly restricted to lateral areas. Legs red brown; tarsi black with green reflections.
Clypeus
Clypeus: Contracted before apex; front margin abruptly recurved; apex square.
Foretibia
Foretibia: Two distinct tibial teeth.
Metaventral process
Metaventral process: Slightly curved; apex overhanging forecoxae.
Pygidium
Pygidium: Red, with green at margins; with distinctive pattern of short, flat, white hair along lateral margins and centre line.
Where is Anoplognathus porosus found?
Distribution
Eastern Australia, from below Cape York, WLD to Warmambool, VIC.
What species are similar to Anoplognathus porosus?
Similar species
A. pallidicollis, A. boisduvali, A. olivieri
Anoplognathus porosus has a unique pattern of setae on its pygidium. The flat white setae run along the centre line and lateral margins, leaving two glabrous (bald) patches either side of centre. The pygidium also lacks a tuft of anal hair.
Punctures and setae are often highly variable, so it is important to check other features for accurate identification.
