Tortoise beetle genus Notosacantha chevrolat (coleoptera, chrysomelidae, cassidinae, notosacanthini) in Kerala

Abstract

Taxonomic studies on the genus Notosacantha Chevrolat (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae, Notosacanthini) in Kerala was carried out with the objectives of collection and identification of Notosacantha species of Kerala,preparation of an illustrated key to species, description of new species, updating the taxonomy of the genus in Kerala and gather information on host plants, biology and distribution. One hundred and forty-eight specimens from different localities in the state were studied. They belong to 12 species, including five named species viz. N. bertounesquei Borowiec & Le Tirant, 2013, N. maduraensis Swietojanska, 2006, N. nathani Borowiec et Takizawa, 1991, N. tenella Spaeth, 1913 and N. vicaria Spaeth, 1913, as well as seven putative new species. Notosacantha vicaria and N. maduraensis are newly recorded in Kerala. Descriptions and diagnosis are provided for all the species studied, and a key to Notosacantha species of Kerala is given. Representative illustrations of dorsal,ventral lateral and posterior view of Notosacantha is made for all the species with relevance to the elytral sculpture. Information on host plants and distribution are recorded. Biology of N. bertounesquei is reported for the first time. Larva mines the leaves, construct a separate mine for pupation. The pupae, prior to adult emergence moved out of the pupal mine and shed the puparium. The exuvia can be seen falling away or stuck on the leaf surface. The adults scrape the adaxial surface of the leaf forming irregular feeding grooves. The feeding pattern appears as small clusters of scrapings. Egg stage was not observed. The host plants of eight Notosacantha species studied were recorded. The host plant of Notosacantha bertounesquei is Ancistrocladus heyneanus (Ancistrocladaceae). This is the first report of a chrysomelid on Ancistrocladaceae family. The other host plants belong to seven unrelated eudicot families namely Rhizophoraceae, Rutaceae, Rosaceae, Myrtaceae and Erythroxylaceae. Available information indicates trophic relationship with shrubs and trees. None of the Notosacantha species is associated with monocots.