ARS | Publication request: A new species group in Aphthona Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with a description of a new species from southern India

Submitted to: Caucasian Entomological Bulletin
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 27, 2011
Publication Date: December 20, 2011
Citation: Prathapan, K.D., Konstantinov, A.S. 2011. A new species group in Aphthona Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with a description of a new species from southern India. Caucasian Entomological Bulletin. 65(4):329-334.

Interpretive Summary: Leaf beetles, especially flea beetles, are among the most important insects for U.S. agriculture. Many are serious pests and feed on crops destroying valuable plants costing millions of dollars annually. Others are important biological control agents that can be used to control unwanted and invasive weeds. This work describes one new species from South India, providing key characters, description, and illustrations. This study will be useful to biological control workers, taxonomists, ecologists, and anyone interested in plant feeding beetles.

Technical Abstract: A new species of Aphthona Chevrolat from southern India closely related to A. bombayensis Scherer is described and illustrated. A new species group to accommodate a new species and A. bombayensis is proposed. Host plants for A. bombayensis are reported for the first time: Phyllanthus airyshawii Brunel & Roux, P. amarus Schum. & Thonn., and P. urinaria L. (Euphorbiaceae). A new revised key to species groups in the genus Aphthona is provided.