ARS | Publication request: A new genus of moss inhabiting flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from Nicaragua

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 13, 2008
Publication Date: April 22, 2009
Citation: Konstantinov, A.S., Chamorro-Lacayo, M.L., Savini, V.P. 2009. A new genus of moss inhabiting flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from Nicaragua. Zootaxa. 63(1):1-12.

Interpretive Summary: Leaf beetles, especially flea beetles, are among the most important insects to US agriculture. Many are serious pests, feeding on crops and destroy valuable plants; others are important biological control agents that can be used to control unwanted weeds. This work describes a new leaf beetle group with species from Nicaragua, providing key characters, description, and illustrations for its identification. This study will be useful to biological control workers, taxonomists, ecologists, and anyone interested in phytophagous beetles.

Technical Abstract: Nicaltica new genus and new species (N. selvanegra), from Nicaragua are described and illustrated. Nicaltica is compared to Kiskeya Konstantinov and Chamorro, Monotalla Bechyne, and Normaltica Konstantinov.