Jonthonota
Spaeth, 1913
Species Guides
2- Jonthonota mexicana
- Jonthonota nigripes(blacklegged tortoise beetle)
Jonthonota is a of tortoise beetles in the Chrysomelidae, established by Spaeth in 1913. The genus contains at least two described , including Jonthonota nigripes, commonly known as the blacklegged tortoise beetle. Species in this genus are associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Jonthonota: /dʒɒnθoʊˈnoʊtə/
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Identification
Members of Jonthonota can be distinguished from the similar Chelymorpha by their generally smaller body size. Jonthonota nigripes specifically has distinctive black legs, which provide its . The genus lacks the extreme color variability seen in some Chelymorpha .
Images
Habitat
Associated with vegetation in the Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea and related ).
Distribution
Jonthonota nigripes occurs in North America; Jonthonota mexicana is known from Mexico. The is not recorded from Alberta, Canada.
Diet
Feeds on plants in the Convolvulaceae, including morning glories.
Host Associations
- Convolvulaceae - food plantmorning glories and related
Similar Taxa
- ChelymorphaSimilar body form and shared association with Convolvulaceae; distinguished by larger size and greater color variability in Chelymorpha
- Deloyala guttataShares morning glory plants and similar ; distinguished by golden iridescent coloration in Deloyala
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Spaeth in 1913 and is classified in the tribe Cassidini within the Cassidinae.
Species composition
The two described are Jonthonota nigripes (Olivier, 1790) and Jonthonota mexicana (Champion, 1894).