Pentispa sallaei
(Baly, 1886)
Pentispa sallaei is a tortoise beetle in the Cassidinae, tribe Chalepini. The was originally described from Mexico and has been established in Florida, USA. A plant was reported for the first time in 2021, though the specific plant identity was not detailed in available sources. The species is characterized by distinctive elytral punctation and thoracic armature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pentispa sallaei: //pɛnˈtɪspa ˈsal.ae.i//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Cassidinae by the combination of: deeply trisulcate vertex with produced interocular space; with very short lateral tooth at exterior angle; with eight regular rows of large punctures and subcostate second, fourth, and sixth interspaces; and distinctly serrulate lateral and elytral margins. The specific arrangement of subcostate elytral interspaces is diagnostic within Pentispa.
Distribution
Native to Mexico (Durango, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Morelos, Puebla); established in Florida, USA
Host Associations
- First reported host plant - feedingSpecific plant identity not specified in available sources; represents first documented record for the
Similar Taxa
- Other Pentispa speciesShare -level characters including general body form and elytral punctation patterns; distinguished by specific thoracic armature and arrangement of subcostate elytral interspaces
- Other ChalepiniShare tribe-level characters of Cassidinae; P. sallaei distinguished by combination of produced interocular space, short thoracic lateral tooth, and specific elytral interspace costation
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Baly in 1886. The remained without documented plant associations until 2021, representing a significant gap in biological knowledge for this established species.
Invasion biology note
Establishment in Florida represents a range extension beyond the native Mexican distribution. The mechanism and timing of introduction to Florida have not been documented in available sources.