GENUS APHTHONA CHEVROLAT IN NEPAL (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

Authors: Konstantinov, Alexander - Alex; SPRECHER-UEBERSAX, EVA - BASEL, SWITZERLAND

Submitted to: Entomologica Basilensia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2005
Publication Date: 7/15/2005
Citation: Konstantinov, A.S., Sprecher-Uebersax, E. 2005. Genus Aphthona Chevrolat in Nepal (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Entomologica Basilensia. Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Entomologischen Gesellschaft. 78:173-220.

Interpretive Summary: Leaf beetles and in particular flea beetles are among the most important insects affecting U.S. agriculture. Many are serious pests and feed on crops and destroy valuable plants; others are important biological control agents that can be used to kill unwanted weeds. The genus Aphthona has been used extensively to control leafy spurge, a serious agricultural weed in North America. This work describes twenty-six species in the genus and provides keys and descriptions to allow for their identification and thus make them available for potential use in biological control endeavors. This study will be useful to biological control workers, taxonomists, ecologists, and anyone interested in identifying phytophagous beetles.

Technical Abstract: Twenty six species of Aphthona from Nepal are described and illustrated. This include male genitalia of A. archeri Bryant and A. mimica Medvedev and female genitalia of A. nepalensis Medvedev which are illustrated for the first time, based on recently discovered material. A key for adult identification and geographical distribution and host plant data are provided. Aphthonaria Medvedev 1990 is synonymized with Aphthona Chevrolat 1836. Aphthona almorensis Konstantinov & Lingafelter 2002 is synonymized with A. dobangensis Kimoto 2001. Based on the study of recently available holotype, status of Aphthona mimica Medvedev 1997 as a valid species is restored.