The beetles have rich glossy brown elytra and clypeus, and clawed legs covered in multiple barbs.

Like all Anoplognathus species, the forelegs are of uneven lengths, possibly to better enable them to cling to thin Eucalyptus leaves.

Conversely, beetles can be caught underground by extended dry periods, causing them to die without emerging.

They can cause severe defoliation when they emerge in large numbers in response to favourable weather conditions.

Adult Christmas beetles have a long active cycle, remaining common throughout the entire southern summer.