Microrhopala arizonica
Schaeffer
Microrhopala arizonica is a leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae. It is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The Microrhopala comprises several North American species, most of which specialize on Asteraceae plants. This species appears to be associated with arid and semi-arid in the region encompassing Arizona and adjacent areas.
Identification
Microrhopala arizonica can be distinguished from by examination of elytral coloration, antennal segmentation, and elytral margin structure. The related M. vittata exhibits dull reddish elytral stripes, eight-segmented , and smooth (not serrate or toothed) elytral margins. Species-level identification within Microrhopala requires careful examination of these characters as described by Clark (1983).
Images
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented, but typically inhabit areas supporting their Asteraceae plants.
Distribution
United States (Arizona), Mexico (Guerrero, Jalisco, Estado de México, Morelos, Veracruz), and Guatemala. The appears to have a disjunct distribution spanning the southwestern U.S. and central Mexican highlands.
Similar Taxa
- Microrhopala vittataSimilar size and general , but distinguished by dull reddish elytral stripes, eight-segmented , and smooth elytral margins; M. vittata specializes on Solidago and Euthamia graminifolia