Current knowledge on the diversity of Eumolpinae (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in New Caledonia

Abstract

The Eumolpinae leaf beetles of New Caledonia are very diverse, but our knowledge about their diversity is still incomplete. Following a renewed interest in the group in the last two decades, there has been an exponential increase in the number of species described, with species descriptions and taxonomic reassessment ongoing. In this work, the catalogue of New Caledonian Eumolpinae is updated, incorporating all these recent changes, and also indicating the collection where type specimens are currently available. The updated catalogue includes 120 species in 13 genera, and more additions and taxonomic changes, including new combinations, are expected in forthcoming years. Here two new synonymies are reported, namely Dumbea striata Jolivet, Verma & Mille, 2007 = Taophila cancellata Samuelson, 2010, syn. nov.; and Dematochroma theryi Jolivet, Verma & Mille, 2010 = Dematochroma poyensis Jolivet, Verma & Mille, 2010, syn. nov. Moreover, two species still retaining their original adscription to the genus Colaspis Fabricius, 1801, are treated as incertae sedis. This catalogue represents a useful tool for future taxonomic studies of New Caledonian Chrysomelidae and can assist biodiversity surveys and conservation studies within the archipelago.