Elytral Disc Colour

Locating the elytral disc

The elytra are the two large sclerites posterior to the pronotum, which cover the wings. The elytral disc excludes the marginal area of each elytron.

Figure 1. Dorsal view of Anoplognathus. Move cursor over image to locate character.

Photo Figure 1 © Kindi Smith, Australian Museum

States of elytral colour

The following states refer to the elytral disc, excluding the margins which may be different. Colours are best examined in natural light.

There are eight states

1. pale green, non-metallic (Figure 2A)

2. brownish-green, non-metallic (Figure 2B)

3. strongly metallic green (Figure 2C)

4. reddish-brown, non-metallic (Figure 2D)

5. yellowish-brown, non-metallic (Figure 2E)

6. yellowish- to reddish-brown with weak metallic reflection (metallic reflections may be green, gold, red, blue or violet) (Figure 2F)

7. yellowish- to reddish-brown with pale yellowish-brown patches (Figure 2G)

8. yellowish- to reddish-brown with darkly pigmented deep punctures, often coalescent, in striae (Figure 2H)

Figure 2. Dorsal view of elytral disc.

Move cursor over small image to view larger image

scale bar equals 1mm
Photos Figure 2 © Kindi Smith, Australian Museum

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