Neolema

Monrós, 1951

Species Guides

8

Neolema is a of leaf beetles ( Chrysomelidae) containing eight described . One species, N. abbreviata, has been extensively studied as a agent for the plant Tradescantia fluminensis. Research on this species has examined thermal , desiccation resistance, and transgenerational diet effects to inform biocontrol efficacy.

Neolema sexpunctata by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.Neolema by (c) Helio Lourencini, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Helio Lourencini. Used under a CC-BY license.Neolema by (c) Helio Lourencini, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Helio Lourencini. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neolema: /niːoʊˈliːmə/

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Images

Distribution

Colombia (CO) based on GBIF distribution records. within the have been introduced to South Africa for purposes.

Host Associations

  • Tradescantia fluminensis - plantSpecific to N. abbreviata; specificity for other in not documented

Ecological Role

At least one (N. abbreviata) serves as a agent for plant management. The broader ecological role of the is not well documented.

Human Relevance

N. abbreviata has been introduced to South Africa as a biocontrol agent for Tradescantia fluminensis (wandering jew), an ornamental plant. Research has focused on predicting its establishment potential under climate change scenarios.

Sources and further reading