Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #134613
Title: THE FIRST NEARCTIC LEAF LITTER FLEA BEETLE (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) FROM THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Author
item Konstantinov, Alexander - Alex
item TISHECHKIN, ALEXEY - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVER

Submitted to: Coleopterist Bulletin
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/28/2002
Publication Date: 1/28/2004
Citation: Konstantinov, A.S., Tishechkin, A. 2004. The first nearctic leaf litter flea beetle (coleoptera: chrysomelidae) from the great smoky mountains national park. Coleopterist Bulletin. 58: 71-76

Interpretive Summary: Flea beetles are one of the largest and most morphologically diverse groups of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), containing thousands of species, some of which are important pests of cultivated plants, whereas others are highly beneficial as biological control agents of exotic weeds. This paper describes and illustrates a previously unknown species of flea beetle inhabiting leaf litter and provides characters for its identification. This study will be important to taxonomists, morphologists, evolutionary biologists, ecologists, and any other persons involved in identification of beetles.

Technical Abstract: A leaf litter flea beetle was collected for the first time in North America as a result of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This flea beetle is identified as Psylliodes appalachianus, new species, and described and illustrated. The history of leaf litter collecting of flea beetles is briefly outlined.