Microrhopala rileyi

S. Clark, 1983

Microrhopala rileyi is a small leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae. measure 4.1–5.5 mm (males) and 5.2–5.8 mm (females). The exhibits sexual size dimorphism with females being larger. It is known from five U.S. states in the south-central region.

Microrhopala rileyi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Microrhopala rileyi: /ˌmaɪkroʊˈroʊpələ ˈraɪliˌaɪ/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Microrhopala by combination of black body with metallic blue sheen and orange elytral vittae. M. vittata has dull reddish elytral stripes rather than orange. Eight-segmented and smooth (non-serrate) elytral margins are generic characters. Accurate identification may require reference to Clark's 1983 revision of the .

Images

Appearance

are black, often with a metallic blue sheen. The bear orange vittae (longitudinal stripes). Males measure 4.1–5.5 mm in length; females are larger at 5.2–5.8 mm.

Distribution

United States: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Records suggest a south-central U.S. distribution.

Diet

have been recorded feeding on Helianthus (sunflowers).

Host Associations

Helianthus - food plant feeding recorded

Similar Taxa

Microrhopala vittataSimilar size and striped pattern, but M. vittata has dull reddish elytral stripes rather than orange vittae, and specializes on Solidago and Euthamia rather than Helianthus

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'rileyi' honors someone with the surname Riley (likely Edward Riley, a noted coleopterist). Names ending in '-i' indicate dedication to a man.

Taxonomic history

Originally described by S. Clark in 1983. The Microrhopala was formerly placed in Hispinae, but this group has been subsumed into Cassidinae.