ARS | Publication request: REVISION OF PEDETHMA WEISE (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

Submitted to: The Coleopterists Bulletin
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 9, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Leaf beetles are among the most economically important beetles to U.S. agriculture. Many species are major pests of crops while others are of major importance in the control o invasive weeds. This study presents new information on the taxonomy and systematics of a poorly known group of leaf beetles, the Australian flea beetle genus Pedethma. Prior to this study, only three species were known. This paper describes ten additional specie (previously unknown to science) and provides a redescription of the genus and a key to all known species. By describing unknown fauna, their importance, either beneficial or detrimental, to U.S. agriculture can be determined more easily. This information will be useful to scientists and regulatory personnel who must identify insects.

Technical Abstract: The flea beetle genus Pedethma Weise (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), occurring in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, is revised. Pedethma fuscipennis Weise is designated as the type species. Lectotypes are designated as the type species. Lectotypes are designated for P. fuscipennis Weise, P. malandensis Weise, and P. suturalis Weise. Ten new species are described (type locality in parentheses): P. australis Lingafelter & Konstantinov (Queensland: Mt. Glorious National Park); P. barringtonia Lingafelter & Konstantinov (New South Wales: Barrington Tops); P. dorrigoensis Lingafelter & Konstantinov (New South Wales: Dorrigo National Park); P. howdeni Lingafelter & Konstantinov (Queensland: Mt. Lewis); P. kirejtshuki Lingafelter & Konstantinov (New South Wales: Dorrigo National Park); P. kurandensis Lingafelter & Konstantinov (Queensland: Kuranda); P. maculatus Lingafelter & Konstantinov (Queensland: Bellenden Ker Range); P. nigra Lingafelter & Konstantinov (Queensland: Bellenden Ker Range); P. pubescens Lingafelter & Konstantinov (Queensland: Bamboo Creek); and P. weisei Lingafelter & Konstantinov (New South Wales: Monga State Forest). A redescription of the genus and descriptions, diagnoses, and key to all species are presented.