A Review of Chinese Species of the Genus Oides Weber, 1801 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)

In this study, 25 species of Oides Weber from China were reviewed. Among them, the following seven new species are described: Oides angustasp. nov., O. cystoprocessasp. nov., O. paraborerisp. nov., O. parabowringiisp. nov., O. parathibettanasp. nov., O. shimenensissp. nov., and O. yunnanensissp. nov.; Oides innocua Gahan has been recorded in China for the first time. A key to all the Chinese Oides species is provided.

Four new species of Sphaeroderma Stephens (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini) from Taiwan, with discussion on genus boundaries based on S.flavonotatum Chûjô and S.jungchani sp. nov

Three new species of Sphaeroderma Stephens, 1831, S.hsuisp. nov., S.changisp. nov., and S.sheipaensissp. nov. are described based on specimens from Shei-Pa National Park, Taiwan. A fourth new species, S.jungchanisp. nov., is described based on specimens from southern Taiwan. Delimitation of the genus is discussed based on S.flavonotatum Chûjô, 1937, which is redescribed, and the new species, S.jungchanisp. nov.

Current knowledge on the diversity of Eumolpinae (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in New Caledonia

The Eumolpinae leaf beetles of New Caledonia are very diverse, but our knowledge about their diversity is still incomplete. Following a renewed interest in the group in the last two decades, there has been an exponential increase in the number of species described, with species descriptions and taxonomic reassessment ongoing. In this work, the catalogue of New Caledonian Eumolpinae is updated, incorporating all these recent changes, and also indicating the collection where type specimens are currently available. The updated catalogue includes 120 species in 13 genera, and more additions and taxonomic changes, including new combinations, are expected in forthcoming years. Here two new synonymies are reported, namely Dumbeastriata Jolivet, Verma & Mille, 2007 = Taophilacancellata Samuelson, 2010, syn. nov.; and Dematochromatheryi Jolivet, Verma & Mille, 2010 = Dematochromapoyensis Jolivet, Verma & Mille, 2010, syn. nov. Moreover, two species still retaining their original adscription to the genus Colaspis Fabricius, 1801, are treated as incertae sedis. This catalogue represents a useful tool for future taxonomic studies of New Caledonian Chrysomelidae and can assist biodiversity surveys and conservation studies within the archipelago.

Revision of the Palaearctic species of the genus Plateumaris C. G. Thomson, 1859 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Donaciinae)

Ten of the 27 species of Plateumaris Thomson (Chrysomelidae: Donaciinae) occur in the Palaearctic. Due to the intraspecific variation and the large distributions of some species, descriptions exist for at least 80 taxa plus five nomina nuda. The status of each valid species is clarified and the remaining 70 names are allocated as synonyms. New synonymies are P.tenuicornis Balthasar, considered a synonym of P.consimilis (Schrank), P.sulcifrons Weise as a synonym of P.rustica (Kunze), and P.caucasica Zaitzev as a synonym of P.sericea (Linnaeus). Two controversial synonyms are confirmed: P.discolor (Panzer) and P.sericeasibirica (Solsky) are both synonyms of P.sericea. Finally, P.obsoleta Jacobson is a synonym but at present it is not possible to decide whether it belongs to P.shirahatai Kimoto or to P.sericea. Forty-one new country records are added, compared with the Catalogue of Palaearctic Coleoptera published in 2010; 28 records are based on recently published records and 13 are first records for a specific country.

Demarchushsui (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini), a new species from Taiwan, with notes on immatures and biology

A new species of the little-known genus Demarchus Jacoby was discovered at Pilu, East Taiwan, and is here described as Demarchushsuisp. nov. The larvae and adults utilise showy mistletoes as food plants. Their remarkable biology is described in detail, including egg deposition and leaf mining behaviour. Their biology is compared with that of other members of the genus.

Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of a Flea Beetle Luperomorpha xanthodera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) and Phylogenetic Analysis

In this study, the mitochondrial genome of Luperomorpha xanthodera was assembled and annotated, which is a circular DNA molecule including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), and 1388 bp non-coding regions (A + T rich region), measuring 16,021 bp in length. The nucleotide composition of the mitochondrial genome is 41.3% adenine (A), 38.7% thymine (T), 8.4% guanine (G), and 11.6% cytosine (C). Most of the protein-coding genes presented a typical ATN start codon (ATA, ATT, ATC, ATG), except for ND1, which showed the start codon TTG. Three-quarters of the protein-coding genes showed the complete stop codon TAR (TAA, TAG), except the genes COI, COII, ND4, and ND5, which showed incomplete stop codons (T- or TA-). All the tRNA genes have the typical clover-leaf structure, except tRNASer1 (AGN), which has a missing dihydrouridine arm (DHU). The phylogenetic results determined by both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods consistently supported the monophyly of the subfamily Galerucinae and revealed that the subtribe Luperina and genus Monolepta are polyphyletic groups. Meanwhile, the classification status of the genus Luperomorpha is controversial.

Revision of Aplosonyx Chevrolat, 1836 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) from China, with descriptions of three new species

In this study, 21 species of the leaf-beetle genus Aplosonyx in China are described, including three new species, Aplosonyxancorellasp. nov., Aplosonyxnigricornissp. nov. and Aplosonyxwudangensissp. nov., and 1 new record, Aplosonyxduvivieri Jacoby, 1900. Additionally, Aplosonyxancorafulvescens Chen, 1964 is elevated to species. A key to the Chinese species of Aplosonyx is provided.

The genus Japonitata Strand (Insecta, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) in Taiwan: a redefinition of the genus and descriptions of two new species

The genus Japonitata is redefined based on comparison with its allied genera Paraplotes Laboissière, 1933 and Shairella Chûjô, 1962. Japonitataquadricostata Kimoto, 1996 and J.caerulea Kimoto, 1996 are transferred to Shairella. Japonitatahoujayi sp. nov. and J.jungchani sp. nov. are described. Biological information is provided for J.houjayi sp. nov. In addition, the generic boundary of Shairella is redefined by including S.quadricostata and S.caerulea.

Involvement of CYP347W1 in neurotoxin 3-nitropropionic acid-based chemical defense in mustard leaf beetle Phaedon cochleariae

Chrysomelina beetlesstore 3-nitropropionic acid in form of a pretoxin, isoxazolin-5-one glucoside-conjugated ester, to protect themselves against predators. Here we identified a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, CYP347W1, to be involved in the production of the 3-nitropropionic acid moiety of the isoxazolin-5-one glucoside ester. Knocking down CYP347W1 led to a significant depletion in the concentration of the isoxazolin-5-one glucoside ester and an increase in the concentration of the isoxazolin-5-one glucoside in the larval hemolymph. Enzyme assays with the heterologously expressed CYP347W1 showed free β-alanine was not the direct substrate. Homology modeling indicated that β-alanine-CoA ester can fit into CYP347W1's active site. Furthermore, we proved that Phaedon cochleariae eggs are not able to de novo synthesize 3-NPA, although both isoxazolin-5-one glucoside and its 3-NPA-conjugated ester are present in the eggs. These results provide direct evidence for the involvement of CYP347W1 in the biosynthesis of a P. cochleariae chemical defense compound.

Two new species of the genus Melixanthus Suffrian (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cryptocephalinae) from China

Two new species of the genus Melixanthus Suffrian, 1854 are described from China: M.menglaensis Duan, Wang & Zhou, sp. nov. from Yunnan (also in Vietnam, Tonkin) and M.similibimaculicollis Duan, Wang & Zhou, sp. nov. from Yunnan. Another species, M.rufiventris Pic, 1926, is reported for the first time in China. High-quality color images and line drawings of adult habitus, aedeagus, and other important structures are provided for all three species. The types of the new species are deposited in the collection of Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IZ-CAS).

Herbivory and jasmonate treatment affect reproductive traits in wild Lima bean, but without transgenerational effects

PREMISE

Plant responses to herbivores and their elicitors include changes in traits associated with phenology, defense, and reproduction. Induced responses by chewing herbivores are known to be hormonally mediated by the jasmonate pathway and can cascade and affect late-season seed predators and pollinators. Moreover, herbivore-induced plant responses can be transmitted to the next generation. Whether herbivore-induced transgenerational effects also apply to phenological traits is less well understood.

METHODS

Here, we explored responses of wild lima bean plants (Phaseolus lunatus) to herbivory and jasmonate treatment and possible transgenerational effects of herbivore-induced early flowering. In a controlled field experiment, we exposed lima bean plants to herbivory by leaf beetles or methyl jasmonate sprays (MJ). We then compared plant development, phenology, reproductive fitness and seed traits among these treatments and undamaged, untreated control plants.

RESULTS

We found that MJ and leaf herbivory induced similar responses, with treated plants growing less, flowering earlier, and producing fewer seeds than undamaged plants. However, seed size, phenolics and cyanogenic glycosides concentrations did not differ among treatments. Seed germination rates and flowering time of the offspring were similar among maternal treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the results confirm that responses of lima bean to herbivory by leaf beetles are mediated by jasmonate; however, effects on phenological traits are not transmitted to the next generation. We discuss why transgenerational effects of herbivory might be restricted to traits that directly target herbivores.

Herbivory and jasmonate treatment affect reproductive traits in wild Lima bean, but without transgenerational effects

PREMISE

Plant responses to herbivores and their elicitors include changes in traits associated with phenology, defense, and reproduction. Induced responses by chewing herbivores are known to be hormonally mediated by the jasmonate pathway and can cascade and affect late-season seed predators and pollinators. Moreover, herbivore-induced plant responses can be transmitted to the next generation. Whether herbivore-induced transgenerational effects also apply to phenological traits is less well understood.

METHODS

Here, we explored responses of wild lima bean plants (Phaseolus lunatus) to herbivory and jasmonate treatment and possible transgenerational effects of herbivore-induced early flowering. In a controlled field experiment, we exposed lima bean plants to herbivory by leaf beetles or methyl jasmonate sprays (MJ). We then compared plant development, phenology, reproductive fitness and seed traits among these treatments and undamaged, untreated control plants.

RESULTS

We found that MJ and leaf herbivory induced similar responses, with treated plants growing less, flowering earlier, and producing fewer seeds than undamaged plants. However, seed size, phenolics and cyanogenic glycosides concentrations did not differ among treatments. Seed germination rates and flowering time of the offspring were similar among maternal treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the results confirm that responses of lima bean to herbivory by leaf beetles are mediated by jasmonate; however, effects on phenological traits are not transmitted to the next generation. We discuss why transgenerational effects of herbivory might be restricted to traits that directly target herbivores.

Revision of the genus Furusawaia Chûjô, 1962 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae)

Yunnaniata Lopatin, 2009 is regarded as a junior synonym of Furusawaia Chûjô, 1962 syn. nov. Yunnaniatakonstantinovi Lopatin, 2009 comb. nov. is transferred to the genus Furusawaia Chûjô and redescribed. Furusawaiacontinentalis Lopatin, 2008 and F.yosonis Chûjô are recognized as valid species and redescribed. Four new species are described from Taiwan: F.jungchani sp. nov., F.lui sp. nov., F.tahsiangi sp. nov., and F.tsoui sp. nov. A key to Taiwanese and Chinese species of Furusawaia is provided.

Revision of the genera Xanthogaleruca Laboissière, 1932 and Pyrrhalta Joannis, 1865 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) of Taiwan, with type designation of Galerucella lineatipes Takei

The taxonomic status of Pyrrhalta Joannis, 1865 and allied genera Tricholochmaea Laboissière, 1932 and Xanthogaleruca Laboissière, 1934 is discussed based on the study of Taiwanese species. Tentatively, Xanthogaleruca and Pyrrhalta are regarded as valid genera while Tricholochmaea is a synonym of Pyrrhalta. Fourteen species are recognized and redescribed, including P. gressitti Kimoto, 1969; P. taiwana Kimoto, 1969; P. viridipennis Kimoto, 1981; P. igai Kimoto, 1981; P. meifena Kimoto, 1976; P. maculata Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963; P. tsoui Bezděk & Lee, 2019; P. semifulva (Jacoby, 1885); P. discalis Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963; P. ishiharai Kimoto, 1994; P. shirozui Kimoto, 1969; P. kobayashii Kimoto, 1974; P. ohbayashii Kimoto, 1984; and P. takizawai Kimoto, 1996. Taiwanese populations identified as Xanthogaleruca aenescens (Fairmaire) were misidentified and those are described as a new species, X. yuae sp. nov. Xanthogaleruca aenescens is redescribed for comparison. Eight additional new species of Pyrrhalta are described: P. alishanensis sp. nov., P. houjayi sp. nov., P. formosanensis sp. nov., P. jungchani sp. nov., P. lui sp. nov., P. meihuai sp. nov., P. tahsiangi sp. nov., and P. wulaiensis sp. nov. Type specimens of Galerucella lineatipes Takei, 1916 were rediscovered and are designated as lectotype and paralectotype. Galerucella lineatipes is removed from synonymy with G. calmariensis (Linnaeus, 1767) and regarded as a senior synonym of P. humeralis (Chen, 1942), syn. nov. Most Pyrrhalta species can be classified into four species groups based on their morphological and genitalic similarity. host plants and other biological information are provided for almost all species.

The species of Timarcha Samouelle, 1819 described by Linnaeus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

Linnaeus described five species presently included in the genus Timarcha: Chrysomela goettingensis, Tenebrio caeruleus, Tenebrio laevigatus, Tenebrio latipes, and Tenebrio rugosus. After a study of the relevant material, the identity of these species has been established. The following synonyms are proposed or confirmed: Timarcha goettingensis (Linnaeus, 1758) = T. latipes (Linnaeus, 1767), syn. nov.; Timarcha caerulea (Linnaeus, 1758), comb. nov. = T. balearica Gory, 1833, syn. nov. = T. balearica Pérez Arcas, 1865, syn. nov.; Timarcha rugosa (Linnaeus, 1767) = T. scabra (Olivier, 1807), syn. conf. = T. generosa Erichson, 1841, syn. conf.; Timarcha laevigata (Linnaeus, 1767) = T. tenebricosa (Fabricius, 1775), syn. conf.. The type of Tenebrio caeruleus is a Chrysomelidae currently belonging to genus Timarcha and therefore can no longer be considered a Tenebrionidae (Helops caeruleus) nor the type species of genus Helops. For the sake of nomenclatural stability, an application to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to change the relative precedence of Timarcha caerulea and retain usage of T. balearica will be made. An application to change the relative precedence of Timarcha laevigata has been submitted, which would lead to the conservation of usage of T. tenebricosa as valid. Lectotypes are designated for Chrysomela goettingensis, Tenebrio latipes, Tenebrio caeruleus, Timarcha balearica Gory, T. balearica Pérez Arcas, Tenebrio rugosus, Chrysomela scabra, Timarcha generosa, Tenebrio laevigatus, and Chrysomela tenebricosa. For each of the valid species the diagnosis, distribution, and host-plant data are reported.

Prathapanius fortis, a new genus and new species of Galerucinae from Ecuador (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

Prathapanius Viswajyothi & Clark, gen. nov., is described and illustrated. The genus is placed in the chrysomelid section Diabroticites Chapuis (subtribe Diabroticina Chapuis, tribe Luperini Chapuis, subfamily Galerucinae Latreille). It is monobasic, containing Prathapanius fortis Viswajyothi & Clark, sp. nov., from Ecuador. The new genus is briefly compared with Acalymma Barber, Isotes Weise, and Zischkaita Bechyné.

Revision of Taiwanese species of Atrachya Chevrolat, 1836 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae): descriptions of three new genera, two new species, and designations of three new synonyms

The genus Atrachya Chevrolat is redefined based on study of the type species A.menetriesii (Faldermann, 1835). All Taiwanese species of Atrachya are transferred to three new genera: A.hirashimai Kimoto, 1976 and A.nitidissima (Chûjô, 1935) are transferred to Neochyagen. nov.; A.mediofasciata Kimoto, 1976 is transferred to Tsouchyagen. nov.; A.unifasciata Takizawa, 1978 is transferred to Chinochyagen. nov. Two species are described: N.chengisp. nov. and N.tsouisp. nov.Atrachyabicoloripennis (Chûjô, 1938) and A.saramao (Chûjô, 1962) are regarded as synonyms of N.nitidissima (Chûjô, 1935) comb. nov., and Monoleptatsoui Lee, 2009 is synonymized with T.mediofasciata (Kimoto, 1976) comb. nov.Monoleptasublata Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 is redescribed and transferred to Chinochyagen. nov. Taiwanese records of Monoleptasublata are based on misidentifications and represent specimens of C.unifasciata. Variablity of adult color patterns is discussed.

Revision of the Theopea genus group (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae), part III: Descriptions of two new genera and nine new species

This publication treats species within Theopea and closely allied genera that were not covered in the previous two revisions. Three species of Theopea Baly, 1864 are treated herein, with T. bicolor Kimoto, 1989 and T. mouhoti Baly, 1864 redescribed, and T. bicoloroides sp. nov. described. A new genus that we consider closely related to Theopea, Pseudotheopea gen. nov., is described. This new genus can be recognized with the presence of reticulate microsculpture on the vertex of the head and pronotum and presence of an apical spine on each metatibia. The following species are transferred to Pseudotheopea as new combinations: Theopea aeneipennis Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, T. azurea Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, T. clypealis Medvedev, 2015, T. nigrita Medvedev, 2007, T. smaragdina Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, T. similis Kimoto, 1989, and T. subviridis Medvedev, 2012. Theopea subviridis Medvedev, 2012 is regarded as new synonym of Pseudotheopea similis (Kimoto, 1989). In addition, six new species of Pseudotheopea are described: P. boreri sp. nov. from India, P. gressitti sp. nov. from Philippines, P. hsingtzungi sp. nov. from Laos, P. kimotoi sp. nov. from Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, P. leehsuehae sp. nov. from Laos, and P. sufangae sp. nov. from Taiwan. A second new genus regarded as closely related to Pseudotheopea, Borneotheopea gen. nov., can be recognized by possessing uniform antennae in both sexes and lacking an apical spine on each metatibia. Two new species of Borneotheopea are described from Borneo: B. jakli sp. nov. and B. kalimantanensis sp. nov.

The genus Lochmaea Weise, 1883 in Taiwan: results of taxonomic expeditions by citizen scientists (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae)

More than 520 specimens of the chrysomelid genus Lochmaea were available for study as the result of collecting efforts by citizen scientists. Taiwanese species of Lochmaea can be separated into two species groups based on presence or absence of hind wings. The Lochmaealesagei group (winged) contains L.lesagei Kimoto, 1996 and L.tsouisp. n. The L.smetanai group (wingless) contains L.smetanai Kimoto, 1996, L.chenisp. n., and L.jungchanisp. n. Members of the L.smetanai group inhabit alpine microhabitats and are the only wingless galerucines in Taiwan that occur in harsh environments, as is the case with most brachelytrous Chrysomelidae.

The genus Paleosepharia Laboissière, 1936 in Taiwan: review and nomenclatural changes (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae)

Taxonomic study of species of the genus Monolepta Chevrolat, 1836 with subscutellar incised ridges in males and occurring in Taiwan resulted in the transfer of all species to Paleosepharia Laboissière, 1936: P.amiana (Chûjô, 1962), comb. n., P.formosana (Chûjô, 1935), comb. n., P.nantouensis (Kimoto, 1996) comb. n., and P.yasumatsui (Kimoto, 1969), comb. n. The position of M.excavata Chûjô, 1938 in Paleosepharia is confirmed. Lectotypes are designated for M.excavata Chûjô, 1938 and M.formosana Chûjô, 1935. Generic characters of Paleosepharia are re-evaluated in the context of these nomenclatural changes.

The genus Gallerucida Motschulsky in Taiwan (Insecta, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae)

Species within the genus Gallerucida Motschulsky recorded in Taiwan are revised. Gallerucidabifasciata Motschulsky 1861 G.lutea Gressitt & Kimoto 1963 G.sauteri Chûjô 1938 and G.shirozui Kimoto 1969 are redescribed. Sphenoraiachujoi Lee 2014 is proposed as a junior synonym of G.flaviventris (Baly 1861). Gallerucidathoracica (Jacoby 1888) is recorded as new for Taiwan and redescribed. Lectotypes are designated for Gallerucidanigrita Chûjô 1935 G.sauteri Chûjô 1938 and Eustethathoracica Jacoby 1888. Biological notes are given on all Taiwanese species of Gallerucida.

How many genera and species of Galerucinaes. str. do we know? Updated statistics (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

Galerucinae s. str. is a rich group of leaf beetles. A new, up-to date checklist of Galerucinae genera in the world is provided, including the number of valid species of each genus. Genera and species were counted in literature published before the end of 2016. In summary, 7145 species (7132 recent, 13 fossils) and 192 subspecies from 543 genera (542 recent, 1 fossil) were quantified in Galerucinae s. str. In comparison with the previous catalogue of worldwide Galerucinae (Wilcox 1971-1973), an additional 91 valid genera, 1341 valid species (1337 recent, 4 fossils) and 38 subspecies have been published; 43 genera were synonymized, four genera were transferred into Alticini, two subgenera were elevated to genus rank, and one genus was downgraded to subgenus rank. The updated list of references to taxonomic publications on Galerucinae s. str. from the period 1971-2016 is provided.

Traumatic mating by hand saw-like spines on the internal sac in Pyrrhalta maculicollis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae)

Morphology of the aedeagus and vagina of Pyrrhaltamaculicollis and its closely related species were investigated. The internal sac of P.maculicollis bears hand saw-like spines, which are arranged in a row. Healing wounds were found on the vagina of this species, whose females were collected in the field during a reproductive season. However, the number of the wounds is low in comparison to the number of the spines. In addition, males of P.tibialis bear one spinous sclerite on the internal sac, but the female of this species show no wounds on the vagina. The vaginal wall is thicker in P.maculicollis and P.tibialis in comparison to other studied species, whose males bear no spinous sclerite. This thickening in P.maculicollis is hypothesized that they prevent damaging their own internal sac during everting and withdrawing the internal sac with the spines.

Three new species of Laboulbenia from Roland Thaxter's backlog of slides and a brief review of Laboulbeniales associated with Chrysomelidae

Three new species of Laboulbenia parasitic on Chrysomelidae are described from material mounted by Roland Thaxter (1858-1932). These are L. bilobata on Lema spp. from Brazil and Trinidad; L. longipilis from Cameroon; and L. pfisteri on Ivongius sp. from Madagascar. The following species of Laboulbenia on Chrysomelidae are illustrated for the first time: L. macarthurii, L. minuscula, L. nodostomatis, L. obesa, and L. philippina, all of which were described by Thaxter in 1914. A list of all 69 described Laboulbeniales associated with Chrysomelidae is presented in tabulated form.

Diversity and altitudinal distribution of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) in Peregrina Canyon, Tamaulipas, Mexico

The Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) is a highly speciose family that has been poorly studied at the regional level in Mexico. In the present study, we estimated species richness and diversity in oak-pine forest, Tamaulipan thorny scrub and in tropical deciduous forests in Peregrina Canyon within the Altas Cumbres Protected Area of the northeastern state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Sampling of Chrysomelidae consisted of five sweep net samples (200 net sweeps) within each of three sites during four sample periods: early dry season, late dry season, early wet season, and late wet season. Species were identified and total numbers per species were recorded for each sample. A total of 2,226 specimens were collected belonging to six subfamilies, 81 genera and 157 species of Chrysomelidae from the study area. Galerucinae was the most abundant subfamily with 1,828 specimens, representing 82.1% of total abundance in the study area. Lower abundance was recorded in Cassidinae (8.5%), Eumolpinae (3.6%), Cryptocephalinae (2.2%), Chrysomelinae (2.2%), and finally Criocerinae (1.3%). The highest species richness was also presented in the subfamily Galerucinae with 49% of the total obtained species followed by Cassidinae (20%), Cryptocephalinae (9.7%), Eumolpinae (9.7%), Chrysomelinae (6.5%) and Criocerinae (5.2%). The most common species were Centralaphthona fulvipennis Jacoby (412 individuals), Centralaphthona diversa (Baly) (248), Margaridisa sp.1 (219), Acallepitrix sp.1 (134), Longitarsus sp.1 (104), Heterispa vinula (Erichson) (91), Epitrix sp.1 (84) and Chaetocnema sp.1 (72). Twenty-two species were doubletons (1.97% of total abundance) and 52 were singletons (2.33%). The estimated overall density value obtained was 0.0037 individuals/m2. The greatest abundance and density of individuals were recorded at the lowest elevation site. However, alpha diversity increased with increasing altitude. Similarity values were less than 50% among the three sites indicating that each site had distinct species assemblages of Chrysomelidae. The highest abundance was obtained during the late dry season, whereas diversity indices were highest during the early wet season. The present work represents the first report of the altitudinal variation in richness, abundance, and diversity of Chrysomelidae in Mexico. These results highlight the importance of conservation of this heterogeneous habitat and establish baseline data for Chrysomelidae richness and diversity for the region.

First record of leaf-hole shelters used and modified by leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), with descriptions of two new Orthaltica Crotch species from southern India

Behavioural novelties observed in adult leaf beetles of two new Orthaltica Crotch species include: 1) the use of low cost leaf-hole shelters, either in pre-formed holes produced by larger beetles that fed on the same leaf, or artificially created holes as part of an experiment; and 2) the use of faeces to partition the hole. Two new southern Indian species of the genus Orthaltica are described and illustrated: Orthaltica syzygium and Orthaltica terminalia. Host plants are identified for both species. A key to the Indian species of Orthaltica is provided.

Cachiporrini, a remarkable new tribe of Lamprosomatinae (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) from South America

A new genus and species of Lamprosomatinae, Cachiporra extremaglobosa Chamorro & Konstantinov, is described from Brazil. A new tribe, Cachiporrini, is proposed. The first 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.