Anisostena gracilis
(Horn, 1883)
Anisostena gracilis is a small leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae (tortoise beetles and allies). measure approximately 3–3.7 mm in length and are distinguished by orange-red or yellowish coloration with a black sutural stripe. The has been documented feeding on Panicum maximum (guinea grass). It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anisostena gracilis: /ˌænɪˈsɒstɪnə ˈɡrəsɪlɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The combination of small size (under 4 mm), bright orange-red or yellowish ground color, and prominent black sutural stripe distinguishes this from most other Chrysomelidae in its range. Within the Anisostena, identification to species level requires examination of the distinctive color pattern and possibly genitalia; A. gracilis can be separated from by the specific configuration of the black sutural marking and overall pale coloration.
Habitat
Associated with grassland and open where plants grow. Specific microhabitat details are poorly documented.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Arizona and Texas, USA. Central America: recorded from multiple states in Mexico including Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz.
Diet
have been observed feeding on Panicum maximum (guinea grass), a widely distributed tropical grass .
Host Associations
- Panicum maximum - food plantguinea grass
Similar Taxa
- Other Anisostena speciesSimilar small size and Cassidinae body form; require careful examination of color pattern and genitalia for separation
- Other small orange-red ChrysomelidaeColoration overlaps with some Criocerinae and Galerucinae, but Cassidinae body form and sutural stripe pattern differ
More Details
Taxonomic placement
Anisostena belongs to the tribe Anisostenini within Cassidinae. This tribe contains small, often brightly colored beetles associated with monocot plants, particularly grasses and sedges.