A TAXONOMIC MONOGRAPH OF THE NEARCTIC GALERUCINE GENUS OPHRAELLA WILCOX (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

Abstract

AbstractThe taxonomy of the Nearctic genus Ophraella Wilcox is revised. Data for all known immature stages are included. Ophraella integra (LeConte) is synonymized with O. notulata (Fabricius). Ophraella dilatipennis (Jacoby) is transferred to the genus Neolochmaea Laboissière.Thirteen species are recognized, of which 6 are new : O. arctica, californiana, communa, macrovittata, nuda, and pilosa. The distribution and host plants of species are as follows : O. americana, eastern North America, on Solidago spp.; O. pilosa, transcontinental along the Canadian border, on Aster, primarily A. macrophyllus; O. cribrata, coast to coast in the United States, on Solidago of the subgenus Virgaurea; O. conferta in northeastern states, on Solidago with preference for S. canadensis and S. rugosa; O. sexvittata in southeastern states, on Solidago spp.; O. notulata in eastern US and Gulf states to Mexico, on Iva oraria; O. notata in eastern portion of the United States, on Eupatorium perfoliatum; O. macrovittata in the Gulf states, host plant unknown; O. communa in North America and Mexico, on Ambrosia artemisiifolia; O. bilineata in the Canadian Prairies and the bordering states, on Chrysopsis villosa; O. californiana in California and Mexico, on Artemisia Douglasiana; O. nuda in Alberta, host plant unknown; and O. arctica in tundra zone, on Solidago multiradiata scopulorum.The life cycles of most species are still unknown but most species probably have only 1 generation per year. The eggs are laid in clusters on the under surface of young leaves. The larvae skeletonize young leaves and live exposed. Before pupation, the larva spins a loose cocoon and attaches it to a leaf tip. Pupation lasts 1–2 weeks. The newly hatched adults are active on host plants until the early fall, when they enter the leaf litter for overwintering.