Natural history of the tortoise beetle, Discomorpha (Discomorpha) biplagiata (Guérin) (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Omocerini)

Authors

R. Wills Flowers, Florida A&M UniversityFollow
Caroline S. Chaboo, University of Kansas, LawrenceFollow

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

Insecta Mundi 0439: 1–10

Comments

Published in 2015 by Center for Systematic Entomology, Inc. P. O. Box 141874 Gainesville, FL 32614-1874 USA http://centerforsystematicentomology.org/. Copyright held by the author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons, Attribution Non-Commercial License

Abstract

The first natural history account of Discomorpha (Discomorpha) biplagiata (Guérin) (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Omocerini) from Ecuador is presented. Larvae and adults feed on the leaves and stems of Cordia hebeclada Johnst. (Boraginaceae), the first documented host plant for the species. Oviposition and pupation also occur on this host. Young larvae suffered heavy predation, especially from Ectatomma sp. (Formicidae: Ponerinae) and Oplomus nr. marginalis (Pentatomidae: Asopinae).

Se presenta la primera cuenta de la historia natural para Discomorpha (Discomorpha) biplagiata (Guérin) de Ecuador. Las larvas y los adultos se alimentan de las hojas y tallos de Cordia hebeclada Johnst. (Boraginaceae), su primera planta hospedera documentada. La oviposición y la pupación también ocurren en este huésped. Las larvas jóvenes sufren depredación grave por Ectatomma sp. (Formicidae: Ponerinae) y Oplomus nr. marginalis (Pentatomidae: Asopinae).