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Title: Systena silvestrii bechyne (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae):Redescripton,new distribution and adult host records

Author
item CABRERA, NORA - LA PLATA MUSEUM, ARGENITN
item SOSA, ALEJANDRO - USDA/ARS/SABCL
item DORADO, JIMENA - ARG. INST. ARID ZONES RES

Submitted to: Transactions of the American Entomological Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/12/2007
Publication Date: 10/15/2007
Citation: Cabrera, N., Sosa, A.J., Dorado, J. 2007. Systena silvestrii bechyne (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae):Redescripton,New distribution and adult host records. Transactions of the American Entomological Society. p. 433-444.

Interpretive Summary: In this work, we studied Systena silvestrii, one of the flea beetle found on alligator weed and considered a potential candidate for the biological control of this weed. We described the female and redescribed the holotype male, and added new morphological characters besides the genitalia. In adition, we compared the color differences found among other related species. This flea beetle was collected mostly on alligator weed but also on Phyla canescens (Vebenaceae), in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. Therefore, we strongly recommend further evaluation prior to its consideration for biological control of alligator weed.

Technical Abstract: The flea beetle Systena silvestrii Bechyné 1957, was studied in context with the evaluation of natural enemies of the alligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (Martius) Grisebach (Amaranthaceae). The female is described and the holotype male is redescribed adding new diagnostic characters: mouthparts, hind wings, metendosternite, male and female genitalia. Differences in color patterns between S. silvestrii, S. marcapatensis Bechyné, S. scurra scurra Scherer and S. scurra ajonjoli Bechyné & Bechyné are considered. This flea beetle was collected mostly on alligator weed but also on Phyla canescens (Vebenaceae), in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. Therefore, further evaluation is strongly recommended prior to its consideration for biocontrol of A. philoxeroides.