About Anoplognathus viridiaeneus (Donovan, 1805)
Anoplognathus viridiaeneus (Donovan, 1805), commonly called the King Christmas beetle, is the largest species of Christmas beetle. Adult males measure 30–32 mm in length and 16–19 mm in width at their broadest point, while adult females measure 28–34 mm in length and 16–19.5 mm in width. Females also have flatter elytra than males. This species is predominantly red-brown with a gold-green overtone. Its head has rose-colored highlights, and its pronotum, scutellum, and elytra have a gold sheen. Its pygidium, coxae, and abdomen are bright green, its legs are red-brown, and its tarsi are black. The species is found in eastern Australia, specifically in New South Wales and Queensland. It was once common around Sydney, but has nearly disappeared due to habitat loss. Its larvae feed on rotting wood, humus, and grass roots. Adults of this King Christmas beetle have been recorded on the turpentine tree, Syncarpia glomulifera, which belongs to the plant family Myrtaceae.
