01 Eyl 2025 Pazartesi
Some interesting and new records for Cryptocephalinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of Pakistan
Abstract : A diversity of case-bearing leaf beetles of the subfamily Cryptocephalinae was collected from various zoo-geographical regions of Sindh such as, Ethiopian and Oriental regions. These beetles were collected from different ecosystems like agricultural fields; forests; orchards; wild bushes; fodder crops; and the banks of the river. Taxonomy, conservation, and pest management all depend on understanding their diversity, host plant associations, and phylogenetic relationships. Although Cryptocephalinae has an ecologically important role, thorough studies that consider both morphological and molecular approaches to species identification and classification are scarce in Pakistan. Specimens were collected with traditional hand nets, pooters, and light traps according to conventional protocols for Chrysomelidae beetles, Metadata, including the site of collection GPS coordinates (i.e. latitude, longitude, elevation), and ecological data were also recorded. Images were captured with a DSLR camera, 50 mm macro lens and extension tubes. The images were acquired at several working distances and combine with Zerene Stack for high resolution stacking. This revealed 7 new country records of case-bearing leaf beetles (Cryptocephalinae) were recorded as belonging to two tribes, Clytrini and Cryptocephalini. The sample encompassed multiple species of Cryptocephalus, namely C. lacosus, C. guttifer and C. oppositus. Clytrini included following species, Ceratobasis koenigii, Coptocephala crassipes vavilovi, Epimela trimaculata and Physosmaragdina tonkinensis. The present findings contribute to the knowledge on Cryptocephalinae diversity and taxonomy elucidating character morphological variation and species limits. The study’s findings on host-species interactions underscore the ecological roles of these beetles in Pakistan. Results enrich taxonomic data and contribute to efforts in conservation and pest management, especially considering the impact of these species on economically significant crops such as Sorghum bicolor and Zea mays.