About the key

This is an interactive key which enables the user to identify to species level the adult male and female Christmas beetles (genus Anoplognathus) occurring in New South Wales. For recognition of Anoplognathus see 'Identifying a Christmas Beetle'. Anoplognathus is a genus of the Rutelinae, a subfamily of the family Scarabaeidae, which includes Dung Beetles, Flower Chafers, Rhinoceros Beetles and Christmas Beetles.

This key was created by Chris Reid and Kindi Smith, of the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Research, Australian Museum, Sydney. The illustrations and key construction are by Kindi Smith and the descriptions and taxonomic decisions by Chris Reid.

The key has been constructed from examination of preserved specimens held at the Museum or loaned from other institutions, and from the revisions of Anoplognathus by Carne (1957, 1958, 1981). The choice of species is based on locality information taken from the Zoological Catalogue for Australian Rutelinae (Cassis and Weir, 1992), literature records, advice from colleagues and specimen data held by the museum.

The key has been designed for people with varying degrees of prior knowledge of beetles, from the general enthusiast to research scientist. The terminology has been kept simple but is supported by a glossary and illustrations.

All species of Anoplognathus known from New South Wales are included. At the time of writing the authors are unaware of any undescribed or additional described species from this state.

We will be happy to receive any comments or constructive criticisms at [email protected].

Copyright © Australian Museum 2016
Authors: Chris Reid & Kindi Smith