PhD

The present study entitled “The Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of
southern India” was carried out at Collage of Agriculture, Vellayani from October 2015
to March 2020. The study was designed with the objectives of collection and
identification of the eumolpine leaf beetles of south India, preparation of illustrated
keys to genera and species with emphasis on the characters of male and female genitalia
and documentation of host plants in all possible cases. One thousand five hundred and
two specimens from various ecosystems in south India were studied. Hand picking,
aspiration, sweep netting and light traps were used to collect eumolpines. Specimens
were also procured on loan basis from different institutions in India and abroad.
Collected specimens were mounted and labelled. Available ecological and biological
information was gathered in all cases. Genitalia was dissected as per standard
procedures. Inflation and eversion of endophallus follow Yamasako & Obhayashi
(2011). Specimens were identified tentatively based on the available literature and then
confirmed by comparing with type specimens or consulting with experts.
Measurements were made with a calibrated ocular micrometer and pertinent ratios were
worked out.
Illustrated keys, descriptions and diagnosis are provided. Male genitalia,
including endophallus and female genitalia are described and illustrated.
The Afrotropical genus Microeurydemus is newly reported from the Oriental
Region. Malegia and Scelolanka are new reports to India. Pagria ingibbosa, P.
ceylonica and P. pseudograta are new species records for India. Range of distribution
of Basilepta subcostata and Trichochrysea are extended to south India.
Tricliona Lefèvre, 1885 new snynonym is a new junior synonym of Bathseba
Motschulsky, 1866. Neofidia Strother new name, is proposed as the replacement name
for Fidia Baly, 1863, a junior homonym of Fidia Motschulsky, 1861. Bathseba
syzygium n. sp. and Pseudostonopa palynophaga n. sp. are described as new to science.
Eleven putative new species in the genera Mesocolaspis, Malegia, Microeurydemus,
Basilepta, Cleoporus, Dermorhytis, Edistus, Pagria, Scelolanka and Trichochrysea
were described. New host plant records include Anacardium occidentale L. (for Fidia
kanaraensis), Ixora (for Eurypelta modesta), Aegle marmelos (for Colasposoma
downesi), Mallotus atrovirens (for Cleoporus inornatus), Antidesma acidum (for
Edistus sp.), Milletia pinnata (for Scelolanka). Bathseba syzygium n. sp. has been
reported on Syzygium cumini and Pseudostonopa palynophaga n. sp. has been reported
as a pollen feeder of Poaceae.
Pagria signata species group warrants further investigations, due to
inconsistencies in morphological, genetalic and molecular characters.
The eumolpine leaf beetle fauna of south India comprises 146 species placed in
35 genera. Checklist of Eumolpinae of south India is provided.
The study treated 53 species under 20 genera. Two new species, 11 putative new
species in 10 genera, 12 new host plant records, several new distributional records and
new characters of taxonomic value are reported. Nomenclature of many economically
important eumolpines are updated.