Byblitea Baly, 1864

Viswajyothi, Keezhpattillam & Clark, Shawn M., 2022, New World genera of Galerucinae Latreille, 1802 (tribes Galerucini Latreille, 1802, Metacyclini Chapuis, 1875, and Luperini Gistel, 1848): an annotated list and identification key (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), European Journal of Taxonomy 842, pp. 1-102 : 14

Genus Byblitea Baly, 1864

Byblitea Baly, 1864: 136 (type species Byblitea deyrollei Baly, 1864 , by original designation).

Remarks

As currently constituted, this genus contains six described species, all from South America. It is distinguished from most other metacycline genera by having bifid, rather than appendiculate, tarsal claws. However, some species currently placed in Chthoneis Baly, 1864 (but not the type species) are extremely similar to some species currently in Byblitea , although possessing appendiculate claws. Perhaps, such species should be transferred to Byblitea . Alternatively, a new genus may need to be erected, with some members possessing bifid claws and others appendiculate claws. Further taxonomic investigation is warranted. See Figs 59 and 157 .

Figures

Figs 55–63. Dorsal views. 55. Zepherina variegata (Weise, 1921). 56. Exora olivacea (Fabricius, 1801). 57. Masurius sp. 58. Elyces? quadrimaculatus Jacoby, 1888. 59. Byblitea jansoni (Jacoby, 1878). 60. Sonyadora quadripustulata (Bowditch, 1925). 61. Malacorhinus foveipennis (Jacoby, 1879). 62. Trigonexora diversemaculata (Bechyné, 1956). 63. Pyesexora sp.

Figs 153–157. 153. Galerucella nymphaeae (Linnaeus, 1758), ventral view. 154. Ophraea rugosa Jacoby, 1886, ventral view. 155. Zepherina defensa (Bechyné, 1956), head, including maxillary palpi. 156. Pyesexora sp., head, including maxillary palpi. 157. Byblitea sp., lower portion of head, including maxillary palpi.