Hilarocassis
Spaeth, 1913
Species Guides
1Hilarocassis is a of tortoise beetles and hispines in the leaf beetle Chrysomelidae. It contains approximately 10 described distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The genus was established by Spaeth in 1913 and belongs to the Cassidinae, tribe Mesomphaliini. Species in this genus exhibit the characteristic tortoise beetle body form with a broad, flattened shape and expanded elytral margins.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hilarocassis: /ˌhɪləroʊˈkæsɪs/
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Identification
Members of Hilarocassis can be distinguished from other tortoise beetle by their placement in the tribe Mesomphaliini. The genus is characterized by the typical tortoise beetle : body broadly oval and strongly flattened dorsally, with the pronotum and expanded laterally to form a shield-like covering that conceals the and appendages from above. Specific -level identification requires examination of elytral coloration patterns, punctation, and male genitalia.
Distribution
Neotropical region. have been recorded from South America including Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Similar Taxa
- CassidaBoth are tortoise beetles in Cassidinae with similar flattened, shield-like body forms; Hilarocassis is distinguished by tribal placement in Mesomphaliini versus Cassidini for Cassida.
- CharidotellaAnother tortoise beetle with expanded elytral margins; differs in tribal classification and typically exhibits more vivid metallic coloration in many .