On the African Species of Phyllotreta (Col., Halticinae)

Abstract

The genus Phyllotreta has a world-wide range, and contains many serious pests of cultivated crops. Of the 28 described species from Africa, there are few records at present as to their food-plants. The species with yellow longitudinal bands are all very closely related to European species, and could easily be confused with them, but none in the British Museum collection agrees with described European species. G. Grandi has recorded the European species P. memorum, L., from S.W. Africa, and I think it is possible that this is a misidentification. It is almost certain that all the African species will prove to be serious pests.