Paropsis

G.-A. Olivier, 1807

tortoise beetles

Paropsis is a of () comprising over 70 described . Members are small, brightly colored, and hemispherical in shape, leading to frequent misidentification as (). The genus is to Australasia and has become established in some regions outside its native range through accidental introduction. Several species are significant defoliators of Eucalyptus and are considered economic pests in forestry plantations.

Paropsis by (c) Steve Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Kerr. Used under a CC-BY license.

Paropsis atomaria 75669160 by Russell Best. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Paropsis atomaria 266768218 by Damian Harding. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paropsis: /pəˈrɒpsɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Paropsis are distinguished from similar by their hemispherical, -like body shape and the structure of their . They differ from () in having a more flattened, less domed profile and different antennal structure. Species-level identification requires examination of and detailed morphological features; the is part of the paropsine , which share a characteristic broadly oval body form and association with Myrtaceae .

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Habitat

Eucalypt forests and woodlands; also found in vegetation dominated by other Myrtaceae including Baeckea, Kunzea, and Leptospermum. In New Zealand, established occur in Eucalyptus plantations.

Distribution

to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Paropsis atomaria has been to California, United States, with first documented sightings in 2022.

Seasonality

In the Australian Capital Territory, Paropsis atomaria completes two annually. emerging in autumn enter reproductive in response to shortening day-length and hibernate through winter in litter and soil beneath trees. Spring and summer activity corresponds with -laying and larval development on new host growth.

Diet

Primarily folivorous on Eucalyptus. Some feed on Baeckea, Kunzea, and Leptospermum.

Host Associations

Eucalyptus - primary preferred for most
Baeckea - recorded for some
Kunzea - recorded for some
Leptospermum - recorded for some

Life Cycle

Paropsis atomaria has four larval . are laid in batches on young shoots. are highly gregarious throughout all instars. occurs in soil beneath trees. Development rate is temperature-dependent; final larval weight depends on foliage quality. Larval growth follows a geometric pattern except during the first instar and final days of the fourth instar.

Behavior

of Paropsis atomaria are capable of over considerable distances but females tend to oviposit on the first suitable tree encountered after from soil or litter. exhibit strong in all four . Adults enter reproductive in autumn in response to shortening .

Ecological Role

Defoliator of eucalypts and other Myrtaceae. Can reach pest levels in plantations. Serves as for diverse including (Eadya spp.), , and wasps.

Human Relevance

Several are economic pests of Eucalyptus forestry. Paropsis charybdis is the most serious pest of Eucalyptus in New Zealand. Paropsis atomaria has been to California and has potential to impact eucalypt plantings there. The has been the target of programs, with such as Enoggera nassaui and Cleobora mellyi introduced to New Zealand.

Similar Taxa

Paropsisternacongeneric in the same tribe (Paropsini) with similar and associations; distinguished by subtle differences in elytral punctation and
Coccinellidaefrequently mistaken due to similar small size, bright coloration, and hemispherical shape; distinguished by body profile, antennal structure, and tarsal formula