Chalepus bellulus
(Chapuis, 1877)
Bella Hispine
Chalepus bellulus is a leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, first described by Chapuis in 1877. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and the southern United States (Arizona and Texas). The exhibits distinctive morphological features including a conical frontal process and deeply punctate with characteristic costate interspaces.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chalepus bellulus: /ˈkæ.lɪˌpʊs ˈbɛl.jə.ləs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from by the combination of: conical frontal process (front produced between ); deeply foveolate-punctate with transverse excavation on hinder disc; with ten rows of punctures where seventh and eighth are obsolete in middle third; and strongly costate second, fourth, and eighth interspaces. The broad fulvous vitta on the elytra, confluent at the base, is a distinctive color pattern.
Images
Habitat
Specific requirements are poorly documented. have been collected from various herbaceous plants including grasses and legumes, suggesting association with open or disturbed vegetation.
Distribution
Central America and North America: Rica, El Salvador, Mexico (Guerrero, Morelos, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Veracruz), Nicaragua, Panama, United States (Arizona, Texas).
Diet
Foodplant is unknown. have been observed on Digitaria eriantha, Oryza , Digitaria decumbens, Panicum purpurascens, and Phaseolus species, though whether these represent true plants or incidental occurrences is undetermined.
Similar Taxa
- Other Chalepus speciesShare general body plan and tribal characteristics; distinguished by specific combination of frontal process shape, thoracic punctuation pattern, and elytral costation.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described by Chapuis in 1877; placement in Chalepini (Cassidinae) reflects its hispine leaf beetle affinities.