On the identity of Mastacanthus Suffrian, 1852 and Sternoglosus Suffrian, 1866 and key to world genera of Pachybrachina (Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae: Cryptocephalini)

Authors: Chamorro, Maria

Submitted to: Caucasian Entomological Bulletin
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/15/2013
Publication Date: 8/20/2013
Citation: Chamorro, M.L. 2013. On the identity of Mastacanthus Suffrian, 1852 and Sternoglosus Suffrian, 1866 and key to world genera of Pachybrachina (Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae: Cryptocephalini). Caucasian Entomological Bulletin. 9(1):201-206.

Interpretive Summary: Leaf beetles are among the most important insects for U.S. agriculture. Many are serious pests, feeding on crops and destroying valuable plants; others are important biological control agents that can be used to control unwanted weeds. This work confirms the identity of two genera which have remained unknown since their original description more than 150 years ago and provides the first identification key to one of the largest groups of warty leaf beetles, the Pachybrachina. This study takes a global approach by including representatives from around the World and makes use of numerous images to illustrate diagnostic characters. This publication will be useful to biological control workers, taxonomists, ecologists, conservation biologists, coleopterists, morphologists and those interested in plant-feeding beetles.

Technical Abstract: Pachybrachina includes 8 genera worldwide. The identity of the two Neotropical genera Mastacanthus Suffrian and Sternoglosus Suffrian is established. Redescription of the type species of both genera and an illustrated key to world genera are provided. Type species of Sternoglosus and the lectotype for S. scalaris are designated.