Anisostena funesta
(Baly, 1885)
Anisostena funesta is a of hispine leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the United States (Arizona, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas) and several Central American countries including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. have been documented on Paspalum pubiflorum and Paspalum setaceum, though the definitive food plant remains uncertain.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anisostena funesta: //ˌænɪˈsɒstɪnə fjuˈnɛstə//
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Identification
Anisostena funesta belongs to the tribe Anisosteniini, a group of hispine leaf beetles characterized by their association with grasses. in the Anisostena are small, typically flattened beetles adapted for living between the leaf of grasses. Specific diagnostic features for A. funesta are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
The is associated with grassy , particularly those supporting Paspalum species. have been recorded on Paspalum pubiflorum and Paspalum setaceum, suggesting a preference for grassland or prairie environments where these plants occur.
Distribution
Central America and North America. United States: Arizona, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas. Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua.
Diet
have been observed on Paspalum pubiflorum and Paspalum setaceum, but the food plant is uncertain. The larval diet is unknown.
Host Associations
- Paspalum pubiflorum - recorded on this plant; food plant status uncertain
- Paspalum setaceum - recorded on this plant; food plant status uncertain
Similar Taxa
- Microrhopala spp.Both Anisostena and Microrhopala are hispine leaf beetle frequently encountered together when sweeping prairie vegetation. They share similar and collection methods, though they belong to different tribes (Anisosteniini vs. Chalepini).
More Details
Taxonomic placement
Anisostena funesta is placed in the tribe Anisosteniini, one of several tribes within the Cassidinae (hispine leaf beetles). The Anisostena is primarily Neotropical in distribution.