Chrysomelobia

Regenfuss, 1968

Species Guides

1

Chrysomelobia is a of sexually transmitted parasitic mites in the Podapolipidae that infest chrysomelid beetles. The genus was originally described from the Americas, Europe and Africa, and was later expanded to include Australian following the synonymization of Parobia. These mites complete their entire on beetles and do not infest stages.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysomelobia: //ˌkɹaɪsoʊˌmɛˈloʊbiə//

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Identification

females are typically found on the abdominal of beetles, sometimes also on the venter where they do not feed. are laid on the upper surfaces of the hind wings of hosts. Larvae feed at the base of the wings and in the meso-metathoracic crevice, swelling to approximately twice their original length before becoming inactive adults cemented to the undersurfaces of the .

Distribution

Americas, Europe, Africa, and Australia (following inclusion of former Parobia ). Specific species such as C. labidomerae occur in Mexico and North America.

Diet

females feed on the abdominal of beetles. Larvae feed at the base of the host's wings and in the meso-metathoracic crevice.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

hatch in approximately 7 days. Larval stadium lasts approximately 7 days; larvae feed and swell to about twice their original length, then become inactive for the second half of this period. The pharate adult is enclosed in a cuticular sac that may represent a calyptostatic nymphal instar. Adult males accompany inactive female larvae and apparently copulate with newly emerged adult females. Mites overwinter on diapausing adult beetles and do not infest stages of their . The is arrhenotokous.

Behavior

Females disperse from to host when beetles copulate, making this a sexually transmitted . males remain with inactive female larvae and copulate upon female . Larvae become cemented to the undersurfaces of host during the adult stage.

Human Relevance

C. labidomerae has been investigated for potential of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), a major agricultural pest. However, even at high levels, the mites do not noticeably affect longevity or , limiting their effectiveness as a control agent.

Similar Taxa

  • ParobiaSynonymized with Chrysomelobia; formerly recognized as a distinct parasitizing Australian Paropsini beetles, but phylogenetic analysis showed C. mahunkai nested within this group, leading to synonymization under priority of Chrysomelobia

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