King Beetle, Anoplognathus viridiaeneus
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© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Anoplognathus
- Species
- viridiaeneus
- Subfamily
- Rutelinae
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- Length: 28 – 38 mm
Introduction
The species name viridiaeneus means “green bronze”, referring to its distinctive metallic colouration.
What does Anoplognathus viridiaeneus look like?
Identification
Metallic, iridescent, golden green-bronze; clypeus rose red. Underside metallic, dark red to green; thorax with dense, long, white hair, except on midline; abdomen with few, fine, short, flat, white hairs, restricted to lateral areas. Legs non-metallic, red brown; tarsi black.
Clypeus
Clypeus: Long; contracted behind apex; recurved; front margin rounded.
Foretibia
Foretibia: Broad; three tibial teeth, two distinct, one weak.
Metaventral process
Metaventral process: Flat; apex reaching forecoxae.
Pygidium
Pygidium: Metallic, green; slightly rough surface texture; with erect, brown hairs at apex.
Where is Anoplognathus viridiaeneus found?
Distribution
East Australian coast, from Rockhampton, QLD to Bateman’s Bay, NSW.
What species are similar to Anoplognathus viridiaeneus?
Similar species
Anoplognathus viridiaeneus is an extremely distinct species. It is very large, and a striking metallic golden green-bronze with green to red iridescence.
