Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Research Articles

Inclusive phylogenetic concept of Thasycles Chapuis, 1874 with synonymisation of Atrichatus Sharp, 1886 (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) from New Zealand and description of new species from New Caledonia

Inclusive phylogenetic concept of Thasycles Chapuis, 1874 with synonymisation of Atrichatus Sharp, 1886 (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) from New Zealand and description of new species from New Caledonia

Climatic Niche, Altitudinal Distribution, and Vegetation Type Preference of the Flea Beetle Genus Arsipoda in New Caledonia (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae)

New Caledonia is one of the major biodiversity hotspots. The flea beetle genus Arsipoda (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) is present with 21 species, all endemic. We investigated, using GIS analyses and ecological niche models, the habitat preferences of these species in terms of vegetation types, altitude, and climate, and assessed the adequacy of knowledge on the spatial parameters affecting the distribution of the genus in New Caledonia. Altitude and geology seem to play an important role in shaping species distribution. Volcanic substrate allows the growth of ultramafic vegetation, which includes most of their host plants. From a biogeographic and conservation perspective, our results report a deep link between Arsipoda species and their habitats, making them particularly sensitive to environmental modifications.

In the tripartite combination ozone-poplar-Chrysomela populi, the pollutant alters the plant-insect interaction via primary metabolites of foliage

Ozone (O3)-induced metabolic changes in leaves are relevant and may have several ecological significances. Here, variations in foliar chemistry of two poplar clones (Populus deltoides × maximowiczii, Eridano, and P. × euramericana, I-214) under a chronic O3 treatment (80 ppb, 5 h d−1 for 10 consecutive days) were investigated. The aim was to elucidate if leaf age and/or O3-sensitivity (considering Eridano and I-214 as O3-sensitive and O3-resistant, respectively) can affect suitability of poplar foliage for Chrysomela populi L. (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae), in terms of palatability. Comparing controls, only low amino acid (AA) contents were reported in Eridano [about 3- and 4-fold in mature and young leaves (ML and YL, respectively)], and all the investigated primary metabolites [i.e. water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), proteins (Prot) and AA] were higher in YL than in ML of I-214 (+23, +54 and + 20%, respectively). Ozone increased WSC only in YL of Eridano (+24%, i.e. highest values among samples; O3 effects are always reported comparing O3-treated plants with the related controls). A concomitant decrease of Prot was observed in both ML and YL of Eridano, while only in YL of I-214 (−41, −45 and −51%, respectively). In addition, O3 decreased AA in YL of Eridano and in ML of I-214 (−40 and −14%, respectively). Comparing plants maintained under charcoal-filtered air, total ascorbate (Asc) was lower in Eridano in both ML and YL (around −22%), and abscisic acid (ABA) was similar between clones; furthermore, higher levels of Asc were reported in YL than in ML of Eridano (+19%). Ozone increased Asc and ABA (about 2- and 3-fold, respectively) in both ML and YL of Eridano, as well as ABA in YL of I-214 (about 2-fold). Comparing leaves maintained under charcoal-filtered air, the choice feeding test showed that the 2nd instar larvae preferred YL, and the quantity of YL consumed was 9 and 4-fold higher than ML in Eridano and I-214, respectively. Comparing leaves exposed to O3-treatment, a significant feeding preference for YL disks was also observed, regardless of the clone. The no-choice feeding test showed that larval growth was slightly higher on untreated YL than on untreated ML (+19 and + 10% in Eridano and I-214, respectively). The body mass of larvae fed with O3-treated YL was also significantly higher than that of larvae fed with untreated YL (3- and 2-fold in Eridano and I-214). This study highlights that realistic O3 concentrations can significantly impact the host/insect interactions, a phenomenon dependent on leaf age and O3-sensitivity of the host.

Diversity and Abundance of Pest Insects Associated with <i>Solanum aethiopicum</i> Linnaeus, 1756 (Solanaceae) in Balessing (West-Cameroon)

Despite chemical treatments, all development stages of <i>Solanum aethiopicum</i> Linnaeus, 1756 plants are damaged in the field by insects in Balessing locality (West-Cameroon). During ecological surveys conducted from July to October 2020 in 11 plots presenting four development stages: seedlings (St1), fruit setting plants (St2), flowering phase plants (St3), and fruiting phase plants (St4). Insects active on stems, leaves, flowers and fruits, were captured, identified and the community structure was characterized. Abundance of each species and the part of the plant attacked were noted. Specimens were stored in vials containing 70° alcohol while immature insects were reared in the laboratory till the adult emergence. A total of 155 specimens collected in the field belonged to four orders, 13 families and 22 species. Lepidoptera and Hemiptera were most abundant (38.7% and 34.8% of the total collection respectively). Coleoptera and Orthoptera were least abundant (14.2% and 12.3% respectively). In the laboratory rearing, two Lepidoptera emerged from reared caterpillars: the Crambidae (<i>Leucinodes orbonalis</i> Guenee, 1854) and the Noctuidae [<i>Helicoverpa armigera</i> (Hübner, 1808)]. This gives a total of four orders, 14 families, 22 genera and 23 species associated with eggplant plants. In the field, plants were damaged by three borer species (13.0%) [<i>Phrissotrichum grenieri</i> (Desbrochers, 1875) (Coleoptera, Brentidae), <i>Le. orbonalis</i> (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) and <i>H. armigera</i> (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)], by five phytophagous pest species (21.7%) [<i>Lagria villosa</i> (Fabricius, 1781) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), <i>Leptoglossus occidentalis</i> Heidemann, 1910 (Hemiptera, Coreidae), <i>Manduca sexta</i> Linnaeus, 1763 (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae), <i>Sphaerocoris annulus</i> (Fabricius, 1775) (Hemiptera, Scutelleridae) and <i>Taphronota ferruginea</i> (Fabricius, 1781) (Orthoptera, Pyrgomorphidae)], three sap-feeding species (13.0%) [<i>Dysdercus volkeri</i> (Schmidt, 1932) (Hemiptera, Pyrrhocoridae), <i>Edessa rufomarginata</i> (De Geer, 1773) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) and <i>Gonocerus acuteangularis</i> (Goeze, 1778) (Hemiptera, Coreidae)] and 12 species of unknown pest-status. We recorded 11 pest species (47.8% of the total species richness) [six (26.1%) non-native and five (21.7%) native species]. Coleoptera presented a high number of species (34.8%) followed by Hemiptera (30.4%), Orthoptera (21.7%) and Lepidoptera (13.0%). Lepidoptera Crambidae (38.1%) was the most represented, followed by Hemiptera Pentatomidae (14.1%), Orthoptera Acrididae (10.2%), Hemiptera Coreidae and Hemiptera Pyrrhocoridae (7.7% respectively), Hemiptera Scutelleridae (5.2%), Coleoptera Tenebrionidae (5.1%), Coleoptera Chrysomelidae (4.5%), Orthoptera Pyrgomorphidae (3.9%) and Coleoptera Brentidae (1.3%). Three families (Carabidae, Sphingidae and Scarabeidae) were rare (<1% of the total collection). Chemicals were not efficient in Balessing, since entomofauna associated with eggplant plants remained diverse and consisted mostly of alien species. The situation calls for more research on the bio-ecology of the recorded pests with further goal of developing sustainable management strategies to reduce yield losses.

Sequence-Activity Relationships for the Snf7 Insecticidal dsRNA in Chrysomelidae.

The responsiveness of insects to oral delivery of insecticidal dsRNA has been shown to be dependent on dsRNA length and sequence match. Previous work with the western corn rootworm (WCR, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) demonstrated that at least one ≥21 nt match must be present in the DvSnf7 dsRNA of approximately ≥60 base-pairs (bp) for activity. Further data is needed on the activity of <21 nt matches along with characterization of relationship between activity and the number of ≥21 nt matches. To characterize the sequence–activity relationship for insecticidal dsRNA further, the activity of orthologous Snf7 dsRNAs with 19, 20, and 21 nt contiguous matches against WCR was compared. Neither 19 nor 20 nt sequence matches were active, supporting that a ≥21 nt sequence match is required for activity. The relationship between the number of 21 nt matches with activity of Snf7 dsRNA orthologs from several Chrysomelid species was characterized using WCR and Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata; Coleoptera Chrysomelidae). For WCR, there was a strong relationship between an increasing number of 21 nt matches and increased activity (i.e., lower LC50 values). A similar relationship was observed for CPB with an exception for a single ortholog, which may be related to the exceptionally high rate of polymorphisms in CPB. Overall, these results demonstrate a general relationship between the number of 21 nt matches and activity, and this relationship could be used to inform a testing and assessment plan for an ecological risk assessment for an insecticidal dsRNA.

The Macrocoma Chapuis from the Canary Islands, with description of a new species (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Eumolpinae)

The known species of Macrocoma from the Canary Islands are reviewed and the aedeagi illustrated. Macrocoma pelikani n. sp. is described from Gran Canaria, Barranco de Guayadeque. M. franzi Palm, 1976 is downgraded to subspecies of M. splendidula (Wollaston, 1862) and the following nomenclatural changes are proposed: M. splendidula ssp. franzi Palm, 1976 n. stat., M. splendidula ssp. palmaensis Palm, 1977 n. stat. a key to species identification and a catalogue with new locality data are also provided.

PM 7/109 (2) Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix papa, Epitrix subcrinita, Epitrix tuberis

Specific scopeThis Standard describes a diagnostic protocol for adults of Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix papa, Epitrix subcrinita and Epitrix tuberis.Specific approval and amendmentFirst approved in 2011‐09.Revision approved in 2016‐01.

Response of adult Colorado potato beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to water in the landscape

AbstractThis laboratory study confirmed that the strategy of adult terrestrial Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say); Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) to survive the threat of drowning in water is based on avoidance of water crossings. It also showed that beetles at the surface of a body of water after failing to avoid it, long considered limited to passive floating and phoretic transport were in fact likely to rely on a complex fight or flee response. Beetles showed capacity to swim in a pattern similar to land foraging beetles. Beetles also tolerated submergence and walked underwater. These active behaviours should improve their probability of finding shore or refuge for longer survival. Results confirmed that Colorado potato beetles are likely to accumulate near water features in the potato agro-ecosystem landscape but suggest that successful crossings and colonisation of crops on the other side are more likely than previously expected. On a larger scale, new information provided by this study combined with our knowledge of dominant winds and currents should make it possible for future research to better predict the probability of surviving encounters with water and the orientation of invasive Colorado potato beetle colonisers dispersing at the surface of bodies of water.

Selecting potential nontarget species for host range testing of &lt;i&gt;Eadya paropsidis&lt;/i&gt;

Classical biological control is proposed for Paropsis charybdis (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Chrysomelinae) a eucalypt pest established in New Zealand The Australian solitary larval endoparasitoid Eadya paropsidis (Hymenoptera Braconidae) is under investigation A potential nontarget species list was compiled for host range testing There are no endemic species of paropsines in the New Zealand fauna only invasive pest beetles The most closely related endemic beetles to the paropsines are Chrysomelinae in the genera Allocharis Aphilon Caccomolpus Chalcolampra and Cyrtonogetus Little is known about these species New Zealand has also introduced 12 beneficial chrysomelid weed biological control agents which include Chrysomelinae and their sister group the Galerucinae One endemic beetle six beneficial beetles and two pest beetles are listed as the highest priority species for host specificity testing

Spread of the ragweed leaf beetle, Ophraella communa LeSage, 1986 (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae), in Piedmont Region (northwestern Italy)

Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., one of the most dangerous invasive species for its high allergenic pollen production, has been spreading in Europe since the 19th century but has not until now recruited any effective natural enemy. In its native range, North america, many insects and fungi are recorded feeding or developing on this weed, reducing common ragweed impact on human health and habitats. Some of these organisms, specific or oligophagous on A. artemisiifolia, are considered promising agents for the biological control of this weed, and in some cases they have already been introduced in other continents. Among these species, the leaf beetle Ophraella communa LeSage (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was found at the beginning of august 2013 attacking common ragweed near a nursery in Galliate (Novara province - piedmont Region). Field surveys were carried out from august to November in various piedmont counties to document the spread of this recently introduced galerucine species. Data are reported regarding the leaf beetle’s morphology, biological cycle, spread, hosts and natural enemies in the new range. Prospects for the biological control of common ragweed in Europe are also discussed.

Evaluation of the Predation Capacity of &lt;I&gt;Podisus maculiventris&lt;/I&gt; (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on &lt;I&gt;Microtheca ochroloma&lt;/I&gt; (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Field Cages

The predation capacity of the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), was evaluated at three release rates in field cages containing larvae of the yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma Stål (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae), a pest of organic crucifer (Brassicaceae) crops in the United States. The experiment was conducted twice, in February-March 2009 and in February-March 2010. On the same day as the introduction of 132 first instars of M. ochroloma into the cages, four (= low), 10 (= medium), or 16 (= high) first instars of P. maculiventris were released evenly among six turnip (Brassica rapa L.) plants in cages. Control treatment cages received no predators. In 2009, the mean number of M. ochroloma larvae declined progressively during the first four sampling dates. On the final (seventh) sampling date, the mean numbers of total M. ochroloma in the two higher release-rate treatments were significantly lower than in the low release-rate and control treatments. Overall survivorship of P. maculiventris was 39.1% in the high release-rate treatment. In 2010, the mean number of M ochroloma larvae declined progressively during the first four sampling dates. On the fourth sampling date and the final (ninth) sampling date, there were no significant differences among treatments involving predator releases. The lowest overall survivorship of P. maculiventris (3.1%) was in the high release-rate treatment. Two tentative recommendations for growers emerged from this study: 1) release 10 first instars of P. maculiventris per six plants if the plants are expected to have > or = 7 leaves per plant; or 2) release four first instars of P. maculiventris per six plants if the plants are expected to have < or = 6 leaves per plant.

Genetic identification of West African ecotypes of the groundnut seedbeetle Caryedon serratus Ol. (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

Groundnut, Arachis hypogaea L., Fabaceae, occupies an important place in the diet of people in developing countries due to its high nutritional value. The worst damage is caused by a species of Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Bruchinae namely Caryedon serratus Ol., whose larvae develop in seeds by eating the cotyledons. The objective of this work was to identify different ecotypes of C. serratus subservient to groundnuts in four countries in West Africa: Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger using the PCR‐sequencing in order to develop strategies for protection, taking into account the environment for producers. We addressed the variability of cytoplasmic genome sequencing directly into a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome gene from 46 individuals of C. serratus sampled in the West Africa sub region. It appears that the variability of this fraction of the genome is quite strong. Several haplotypes were identified in all these countries. Phylogenetic reconstructions by parsimony, maximum likelihood and Neighbor‐joining confirmed the lack of structure of C. serratus according to distance. They also revealed that the same biotype infesting groundnuts in Senegal also infests the whole sub‐region.

Population dynamics of bronze beetle &lt;i&gt;Eucolaspis&lt;/i&gt; spp (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) in relation to other soil macroinvertebrates in organic apple orchards in Hawkes Bay

The population structure and dynamics of bronze beetle Eucolaspis spp and other soil macroinvertebrates were studied in eight organic apple orchards in Hawkes Bay during spring/summer 200708 Orchards with high bronze beetle population densities also had higher abundance of all types of soil macroinvertebrates than orchards with low bronze beetle populations Surfacedwelling generalist predators were more numerous (on average 536 versus 405 predators per trap) in orchards with low bronze beetle density than in orchards with high beetle density This result was mainly due to spider numbers in pitfall traps which were highest during January It may be that within orchards where surface dwelling spiders are most abundant these spiders may be predating upon newly emergent adult bronze beetles as they move from the soil to the apple foliage

Managing bronze beetle (&lt;i&gt;Eucolaspsis&lt;/i&gt; sp) in Hawkes Bay organic apple orchards using soil cultivation

Bronze beetle (Eucolaspsis sp Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) threatens the economic viability of New Zealands organic pipfruit industry Small plot cultivation trials were conducted during spring to target immature beetles in the soil under apple trees These treatments did not appear to be as effective in the second year as in the previous year although two cultivations significantly reduced beetle emergence at all orchards compared with the control In largescale cultivation trials two cultivations reduced damage to apples by 4661 Sampling immature development stages of the beetles in the soil indicated that cultivation should commence during mid October to target pupae in the top 70 mm of the soil The application of cultivation treatments for controlling bronze beetle on commercial orchards is discussed

Potential strategies to manage bronze beetle (&lt;i&gt;Eucolaspsis&lt;/i&gt; sp) in organic apple orchards

Bronze beetle (Eucolaspsis sp Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) threatens the viability of New Zealands organic pipfruit industry Small plot cultivation trials were conducted during spring to target immature beetles in the soil in a 25 m strip under apple trees A single cultivation treatment in October prevented 56 to 81 of the beetle population from emerging When plots were tilled every second week from October to December 79 to 95 failed to emerge The pattern and timing of bronze beetle emergence during 2006 was consistent between the four trial orchards and with the 2005 season A survey of 20 orchards during November 2006 was unable to link beetle damage levels with management practices and the physical environment New strategies to manage bronze beetle larvae are discussed

Seasonal change of the thermal response in relation to myo-inositol metabolism in adults of Aulacophora nigripennis (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae)

The thermal response of Aulacophora nigripennis adults in relation to myo-inositol metabolism changed seasonally. Myo-inositol accumulation was stimulated at 15 and 5°C in October (autumn), but only 5°C was effective for the accumulation in December (early winter). In February (mid winter), myo-inositol degradation was prominent at both temperatures. Myo-inositol metabolism of this beetle thus gradually shifts from synthesis to degradation as the season progresses. This may be related to the progress of diapause development and may contribute to the seasonal profile of the myo-inositol pool in a natural population. Post-diapause adults in March (spring) and June (early summer) regained the ability for myo-inositol accumulation at 5°C. Thus, there are at least two types of myo-inositol accumulation in this beetle; one is under the control of diapause and the other responds directly to environmental conditions independently of diapause.

Silphinene Derivatives: Their Effects and Modes of Action on Colorado Potato Beetle

The silphinene derivatives 11β-hydroxy-5α-(angeloyloxy)silphinen-3-one and 11β,5α-dihydroxysilphinen-3-one were generated by means of chemical hydrolysis of the natural antifeedant and toxic silphinene 11β-acetoxy-5α-(angeloyloxy)silphinen-3-one and bioassayed against Colorado potato beetle larvae (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Both compounds showed significant antifeedant activity against this insect in choice and no-choice assays. Futhermore, exposure of larvae to these compounds over a 24 h period resulted in reduced feeding and growth rates. To distinguish between antifeedant and toxic effects, growth efficiencies were calculated as the slope of the regression of relative growth rate on relative consumption rate. The comparison of these results with those of antifeedant simulation bioassays indicates that strong feeding inhibition is associated with the 11-acetate substituent, while negative effects on larval growth through contact toxicity are related to the lipophilicity of the compounds. These substances were also bioassayed against three species of the plant pathogen Fusarium. The natural silphinene and the two derivatives showed mild antifungal activity inversely related to their polarity. Keywords: Leptinotarsa decemlineata; Coleoptera Chrysomelidae; antifeedant; toxic; silphinene derivatives

Effects of a New Rootworm (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) Infestation on Continuous and Rotated Corn Under Four Tillage Systems

In a region newly infested with rootworm, particularly with the more damaging western wm rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte), continuous corn (Zea mays L.) was severely damaged whereas corn in rotation with soybeans showed negligible damage under four tillage systems (moldboard, chisel, no-till and ridge-till). Although rootworm damage was highest in no-till systems in both continuous and rotated corn, yields were also highest. The importance of rotation with no-till corn production is emphasized.

Sélection trophique chez les Alticinae (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae)

Trophic selection among the Alticinae (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae) A general revision of what is known of the trophic selection of the genera of the Alticinae is given below. It is impossible in the actual state of knowledge to deduct evolutionary perspectives of that selection. Alticinae are generally specific in their food plant choice and the main trends of the various genera can only be outlined.

Sélection trophique chez les Hispinae (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Cryptostoma)

Trophic selection among Hispinae (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Cryptostoma) Many Hispinae larvae are mining inside the leaves of Gramineae or living freely or between appressed leaves of Palmae and other Monocots. Several genera feed on Dicots only. Generally, food choice is strict and most of the species are oligophagous.