Leaf Beetles

Five subfamilies within Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) have larvae that retain their feces as a coat or armor which serves for thermoregulation, camouflage, or barrier to enemies. The construction, retention and repair of these fecal structures are associated with specialized larval morphologies in the tortoise beetles (subfamily Cassidinae) and in the Cryptocephalinae + Lamprosomatinae (Camptosomata), but morphology associated with fecal encrustations on larvae in the Blepharida-group flea beetles (Galerucinae: Alticini) and in Criocerinae have not been examined. Experiments with live larvae of Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L., 1767) (or sineguelas leaf beetle, SLB; Blepharida group) reveal the anus opens dorsally and deposits feces directly to the larva's dorsum; the armor is maintained and is reconstructed. Scanning electron microscopy reveals integumental microtrichia that presumably hold on the feces. This invasive beetle has become an introduced tree-crop pest in the Philippines, so ongoing research seeks to mitigate its population. Insecticidal chemical assays show that fecal armor does not fully protect SLB larvae but delays potency slightly. The study recommends rotating the insecticides (Imidacloprid, Cypermethrin, and Buprofezin) to prevent the development of resistance. Specialized morphology for fecal retention is known in Cassidinae, Camptosomata and is now documented in the Blepharida group. Such morphology and the fecal-building behavior can offer additional phylogenetic information for these beetles.

The identity of Luperus (Calomicrus) minutus Joannis, 1865 (currently Taphinellina minuta; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is established and a redescription based on the type specimen is given. The classification of this species in the genus Taphinellina is confirmed. Marsburg 13, 3437 GN Nieuwegein.

Chloropterus versicolor (Morawitz, 1860) is recorded from southwest Turkey after about a century since its first record as C. versicolor var. infuscatus Sahlberg 1913. In the recent catalogues C. versicolor was not listed from Turkey, but given as a synonym of Bedelia insignis Lefèvre, 1875. Actually, Chloropterus versicolor infuscatus is a new synonym of Chloropterus versicolor, but not a junior synonym of Bedelia insignis.

An overview of leaf beetle translocations, and the possible effects related to endangerment of native leaf beetle species is presented. Translocation is defined as the movement of living organisms from one area to another across natural barriers. In the new area the translocated organism lives free. Translocations can be intentional or accidental. The database of records of translocated leaf beetles is compiled using published records as the main source of information. In this study 126 leaf beetle species have been recorded to have been translocated at least once. Most translocated species occur in the subfamilies Chrysomelinae, Galerucinae, Alticinae, Cassidinae and Hispinae. Most unintentional successful translocations occur in mono-and oligophagous species that develop on cultivated and non-indigenous plant species. At present, no negative effects of translocated Chrysomelidae on biodiversity have been reported. The successful control of imported weeds by introduced Chrysomelidae can be seen as a positive effect to biodiversity since some of these weeds prevent natural processes in ecosystems. Historical distribution patterns of Chrysomelidae are discussed in relation to the translocations.

In the era of biodiversity crises, where the extinction rates are accelerating at an unprecedented pace, taxonomy-the science of classification, description, and identification of organisms-stands as a critical tool for understanding and preserving the natural world. Yet, paradoxically, this field is in crisis. The shortage of trained taxonomists has become a significant bottleneck in biodiversity research and conservation efforts, especially in regions designated as biodiversity hotspots, which are home to the most unique and endangered species on the planet. This editorial explores the implications of this crisis, the challenges facing taxonomy today, and the steps needed to ensure the discipline can continue to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Earth's biodiversity. Taxonomy provides the foundational knowledge necessary for a variety of scientific disciplines and conservation efforts. Accurate species identification is the first step toward understanding ecosystem dynamics, species interactions, and evolutionary relationships. Without a robust taxonomic framework, it becomes impossible to prioritize conservation efforts effectively. Conservation strategies depend heavily on identifying species at risk of extinction, protecting endangered habitats, and managing invasive species-all tasks that rely on precise taxonomic data.

Red List and checklist of the leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae and Megalopodidae) of Berlin] To date, 273 species of leaf beetles are recorded from Berlin, including 11 neobiota (4 %). The Red List contains 93 species (34.1 %). The total number of species increased by four compared to the last checklist from 1997. 32 species (11.7 %) are extinct or missing. A total of 39 species (14.3 %) are threatened, 90 % of which are stenotopic. The highest percentage of threatened species is in the subfamily Donaciinae of Chrysomelidae. Recently, the populations of 50 species (18.3 %) decreased, but only 8 species (2.9 %) increased. Constant monitoring is necessary in order to detect possible further decreases, and for conservation measures. Comments are provided for a number of selected species.

The leaf beetle fauna of Turkey is reviewed and a complete checklist with provincial distributions is presented for the first time. Seven hundred and seventy-six species are catalogued in total. This represents approximately 22% of the known Palaearctic leaf beetle fauna. The Turkish leaf beetle fauna is characterized by 81 endemic species. Distributions of the species in Turkey are given based on available literature records. Some new materials from new localities are also examined. Taxa in the list are arranged systematically under family, subfamily, genus, subgenus (when recognized) and species. The subspecies are not included in the list but mentioned in the notes given for certain species. The species whose occurrences in Turkey need conformation are not included in the list but are given separately. Additionally, two new synonymies are stated: Psylliodes diversicolor Nadein 2006 = P. kasnakensis Gök et Aslan, 2007 syn.nov.; Phyllotreta maculicornis Pic, 1906 = Ph. ispartaensis...

The oil palm tree, the first source of fatty substances of plant origin in the world, is subject to attacks from many pests. Among these, Coelaenomenodera lameensis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae: Hispinae) is the most serious pest of oil palm in West Africa and mainly in Côte d'Ivoire. This insect causes significant damage which greatly compromises the crops. Indeed, the fight against this pest requires knowledge of the infested areas. This study, which was conducted from September 2015 to December 2017, therefore aimed to establish spatial distribution of this pest in the main oil palm production areas. Thus, attack levels of C. lameensis were evaluated by counting insects every 2 months in the palm groves of 9 localities producing oil palm. The results found significant differences between localities with regard to the average index of larvae and adults. These indexes were particularly higher in the South-Central zone, the locality of Divo being the most affected with an average index of 5.22 larvae/palm and 7.32 adults/palm. Phytosanitary surveillance of palm groves in the localities surveyed, especially those of Divo, should therefore be reinforced. This requires a perfect knowledge of the biology and also evaluation of the impact of this pest on the production.

Between 1951–1958, most of the Hula Lake and its surrounding swamps in the Upper Jordan River (Rift) Valley of Israel were drained with the supposed purposes to eliminate malaria and to reclaim land for agriculture; both reasons later proved to be unnecessary decisions. With the paucity of biological knowledge of the Hula region, especially its aquatic invertebrates, accurate assessment of the environmental damage from this drainage is still being realized. Based on natural history museum collection specimen records, the pre-drainage presence of some aquatic insect species has been verified. Among these was Donacia bicolora, a member of a semi-aquatic subfamily (Donaciinae) of Leaf Beetles (Chrysomelidae) and whose Israeli populations were thought to have gone extinct because of the drainage of the Hula and other locations. Recently this species was rediscovered in two populations. However, the molecular identification of two of these recently collected specimens from one population...

This paper presents ultrastructures of aedeagus and spermatheca observed for the first time by SEM of a plant pest (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae) Cryptocephalus turcicus Suffrian, 1847 from Türkiye. In the present study, the morphologies of male and female genitalia of this species belonging to the nominative subgenus Cryptocephalus (s.str.) collected from Ankara, Kastamonu and Samsun provinces are examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). To date, there has not been a study in Türkiye in this context in which male genitalia (aedeagus) and female genitalia (spermatheca) morphologies of the Cryptocephalus turcicus Suffrian, 1847 have been studied together. The genus Cryptocephalus is represented by 73 species in Türkiye. Detailed investigations of aedeagus "and spermatheca are very important to obtain new diagnostic characters in the genus Cryptocephalus. For this reason, ultrastructural and detailed investigations of aedeagus and spermatheca of Cryptocephalus turcicus Suffrian, 1847 from Türkiye were firstly studied with SEM and stereo microscope to obtain new diagnostic characters in the genus Cryptocephalus. The new diagnostic characters obtained by examining the ultrastructure of aedeagus and spermatheca belonging to the species will be used in the distinction of species that are especially similar to each other, by determining the differences and important characters among the species in the genus Cryptocephalus. Photos in SEM, as well as photos in the stereo microscope, are also given in the text.

The leaf beetle fauna of Turkey is reviewed and a complete checklist with provincial distributions is presented for the first time. Seven hundred and seventy-six species are catalogued in total. This represents approximately 22% of the known Palaearctic leaf beetle fauna. The Turkish leaf beetle fauna is characterized by 81 endemic species. Distributions of the species in Turkey are given based on available literature records. Some new materials from new localities are also examined. Taxa in the list are arranged systematically under family, subfamily, genus, subgenus (when recognized) and species. The subspecies are not included in the list but mentioned in the notes given for certain species. The species whose occurrences in Turkey need conformation are not included in the list but are given separately. Additionally, two new synonymies are stated:

Comparative biology and development study of B. longissima Gestro was conducted using different coconut varieties namely: Baybay tall (BAYT) green, Baybay tall (BAYT) brown, Malayan Red dwarf (MRD), Malayan Yellow dwarf (MYD), Albuera dwarf (ALD), and Tacunan dwarf (TACD) varieties was investigated in the laboratory. The duration of the developmental period of B. longissimi was influenced by the different coconut varieties used as host plant. Duration from egg laying to hatching of eggs of B. longissima on tall varieties ranged from 3 to 5 days, while on dwarf varieties it took 4 to 5 days. In all varieties, Brontispa beetles underwent 5–6 instars. In addition, it was observed that the fifth and sixth instars took a longer time period compared to other instars. The total mean developmental period of Brontispa on BAYT (green and brown) was shorter in days compared to all dwarf varieties except to ALD. The results generally showed that BAYT (green and brown) seemed to be a preferred v...

Abstract. Cryptocephalus (Burlinius) pusillus Fabricius, 1777 is a very poorly known species in Turkey, and up to now there is no data about the distributional pattern of this species in the country. Recently five specimens (four males, one female) of C. pusillus were collected ...

The Mediterranean Region is one of the world's biodiversity hot-spots, which is also characterized by high level of endemism. Approximately 2100 species of leaf beetle (Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae) are known from this area, a number that increases year after year and represents 5/6% of the known species. These features, associated with the urgent need to develop a DNA-based species identification approach for a broad spectrum of leaf beetle species, prompted us to develop a database of nucleotide sequences, with a solid taxonomic background, for all the Chrysomelidae Latreille, 1802 sensu latu inhabiting the Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean Chrysomelidae Barcoding project, which has started in 2009, involves more than fifty entomologists and molecular biologists from different European countries. Numerous collecting campaigns have been organized during the first seven years of the project, which led to the col-* these authors contributed equally

Members of the Old World hispine tribe, Coelaenomenoderini, are documented on host plants of Are­caceae, Cyperaceae, and Zingiberales. A few species are renowned pests of oil palm, especially in Africa. The host plants and natural history of Javeta pallida Baly, 1858, the only Indian species of the tribe, is reported for the first time. These beetles can densely infest indigenous wild date palms, Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb. (Arecaceae), and also use the introduced date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., which is an expand­ing crop in India. Javeta females lay single eggs and cover each with an ootheca. All larval stages mine the leaves and pupation occurs within the larval mine. Adults are exophagous, leaving linear feeding trenches. Natural and induced infestations of J. pallida on these two palms were observed and the potential of J. pallida as a pest of date palm in India is discussed. Javeta pallida completed development on Phoenix palms in 52–88 days (mean 66.38 days) with egg per...

A new genus and species of Lamprosomatinae, Cachiporra extremaglobosa Chamorro & Konstantinov, is described from Brazil. A new tribe, Cachiporrini, is proposed. Th e fi rst phylogenetic analysis of Lamprosomatinae based on adult morphological caharacters is conducted. Comparisons are made among lamprosomatine tribes and genera. A key to tribes is provided.

The leaf beetle fauna of Turkey is reviewed and a complete checklist with provincial distributions is presented for the first time. Seven hundred and seventy-six species are catalogued in total. This represents approximately 22% of the known Palaearctic leaf beetle fauna. The Turkish leaf beetle fauna is characterized by 81 endemic species. Distributions of the species in Turkey are given based on available literature records. Some new materials from new localities are also examined. Taxa in the list are arranged systematically under family, subfamily, genus, subgenus (when recognized) and species. The subspecies are not included in the list but mentioned in the notes given for certain species. The species whose occurrences in Turkey need conformation are not included in the list but are given separately. Additionally, two new synonymies are stated:

Abstract. Cryptocephalus (Burlinius) pusillus Fabricius, 1777 is a very poorly known species in Turkey, and up to now there is no data about the distributional pattern of this species in the country. Recently five specimens (four males, one female) of C. pusillus were collected ...

Members of the Old World hispine tribe, Coelaenomenoderini, are documented on host plants of Arecaceae, Cyperaceae, and Zingiberales. A few species are renowned pests of oil palm, especially in Africa. The host plants and natural history of Javeta pallida Baly, 1858, the only Indian species of the tribe, is reported for the first time. These beetles can densely infest indigenous wild date palms, Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb. (Arecaceae), and also use the introduced date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., which is an expanding crop in India. Javeta females lay single eggs and cover each with an ootheca. All larval stages mine the leaves and pupation occurs within the larval mine. Adults are exophagous, leaving linear feeding trenches. Natural and induced infestations of J. pallida on these two palms were observed and the potential of J. pallida as a pest of date palm in India is discussed. Javeta pallida completed development on Phoenix palms in 52-88 days (mean 66.38 days) with egg period 11-15 days (mean 12.8 days), larval period 21-54 days (mean 33.02 days) and pupal period 17-23 days (mean 20.52 days). Elasmus longiventris Verma and Hayat and Pediobius imbreus Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitize the larva and pupa of J. pallida.

The biology, host plants, and pest status of Podontia Dalman, 1824 species are reviewed. Natural history of Podontia congregata Baly, 1865 a flea beetle endemic to southern India, is reported for the first time. It is distributed from the Western Ghats Mountains westward to the plains. Clusiaceae is reported as a new host plant family for Blepharida-group species, with Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) N. Robson (Clusiaceae) as the host plant for P. congregata. Pentatomid bugs attack the larvae but not eggs, pupae, or adults. A new egg parasitoid species, Ooencyrtus keralensis Hayat and Prathapan, 2010 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), was discovered. Aspects of P. congregata host selection, life cycle, and larval fecal defenses are consistent with its inclusion in the Blepharida-genus group.

Members of the Old World hispine tribe, Coelaenomenoderini, are documented on host plants of Arecaceae, Cyperaceae, and Zingiberales. A few species are renowned pests of oil palm, especially in Africa. The host plants and natural history of Javeta pallida Baly, 1858, the only Indian species of the tribe, is reported for the first time. These beetles can densely infest indigenous wild date palms, Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb. (Arecaceae), and also use the introduced date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., which is an expanding crop in India. Javeta females lay single eggs and cover each with an ootheca. All larval stages mine the leaves and pupation occurs within the larval mine. Adults are exophagous, leaving linear feeding trenches. Natural and induced infestations of J. pallida on these two palms were observed and the potential of J. pallida as a pest of date palm in India is discussed. Javeta pallida completed development on Phoenix palms in 52-88 days (mean 66.38 days) with egg period 11-15 days (mean 12.8 days), larval period 21-54 days (mean 33.02 days) and pupal period 17-23 days (mean 20.52 days). Elasmus longiventris Verma and Hayat and Pediobius imbreus Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitize the larva and pupa of J. pallida.

Primeros registros de Chrysomelidae (Insecta, Coleoptera) sobre arándanos en Argentina: nuevas asociaciones entre crisomélidos nativos y un cultivo exótico  ABSTRACT. The blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae), is a shrub native to the northern Hemisphere introduced in Argentina, where it occupies small cultivated areas mainly in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos and Tucumán. At present, little is known about insects associated with this crop in Argentina. The aim of this study was to identify the species of Chrysomelidae present in blueberry crops in different regions of Argentina, and to present new chrysomelids-blueberry associations. Identification diagnosis, geographical distribution, association with other plants and aspects of their biology is given for each species. Seven species of crop-damaging Chrysomelidae were recorded in blueberry crops of Buenos Aires and Entre Rios. They belong to the subfamilies Galerucinae: Diabrotica speciosa (Germar), Disonychodes exclamationis (Boheman), Caeporis stigmula Germar, and Cacoscelis melanoptera Germar; Eumolpinae: Percolaspis varia (Lefèvre), and Spintherophyta semiaurata (Klug); and Cryptocephalinae: Lexiphanes coenobita Suffrian. KEY WORDS. Leaf beetles. Insect-plant associations. Identification. Vaccinium corymbosum.  RESUMEN. El arándano, Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae), es un arbusto nativo del hemisferio Norte, que fue introducido en la Argentina donde ocupa pequeñas áreas cultivadas, principalmente en las provincias de Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos y Tucumán. Hasta la actualidad, se conoce poco sobre los insectos asociados con este cultivo. El objetivo de este trabajo es relevar las especies de crisomélidos presentes en los cultivos de arándano de diferentes regiones, y aportar nuevas asociaciones crisomélidos-arándano para la Argentina. Para cada especie registrada, se brinda la diagnosis para su reconocimiento, su distribución geográfica, la asociación con otras plantas y algunos aspectos de su biología. Se registraron siete especies de Chrysomelidae que utilizan el arándano como recurso alimenticio en las provincias de Buenos Aires y Entre Ríos: subfamilia Galerucinae: Diabrotica

The Neotropical genus Chelobasis Gray, 1832 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) includesfour known species: Chelobasis aemula (Waterhouse) from Ecuador; Ch. bicolor Gray from Bolivia to Nicaragua; Ch. laevicollis (Waterhouse) from Colombia; and Ch. perplexa (Baly) from Ecuador to Costa Rica. Chelobasis beetles are also known as the “rolled-leaf” beetles because their larvae and adults feed on the scroll formed by the young leaves of their host plants (Strong and Wang 1977) in the genus Heliconia L. (Heliconiaceae) (García-Robledo et al. 2010). The known northern limit of Chelobasis is Guatemala, where a single individual of Ch. perplexa was collected at the Municipality of Chimaltenango, 14°39′ N, 90°49′ W, ca. 1,800 m elevation (Staines 2009). Here we report the presence of the genus Chelobasis in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, Mexico.