Warty Leaf Beetles

Fulcidacini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Cryptocephalinae
Tribe: Fulcidacini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Fulcidacini: /fʊl.kɪˈdæ.sɪ.naɪ/

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

Images

Chlamisus maculipes - inat 979420 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Nbebbianaewillowhostform by No machine-readable author provided. Neochlamisus~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims).. Used under a Public domain license.

Warty Leaf Beetle (Neochlamisus cf. bebbianae) (13769254883) by Andrew C. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Nplatanimatingonsyc by Neochlamisus at en.wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Fulcidacini, or warty leaf beetles, are leaf beetles within the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, characterized by their caterpillar droppings-like appearance and high diversity, particularly in the Neotropics, with about 400 species described globally.

Physical Characteristics

Adults resemble caterpillar droppings.

Identification Tips

Refer to the key in Karren (1972) for identification of many species.

Habitat

Widespread, with most species found in diverse habitats across the Neotropics.

Distribution

Most diverse in the Neotropics; species present on all continents except Antarctica.

Diet

Primarily herbivorous, feeding on plant material.

Life Cycle

Details on life cycle are not specified; generally includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages common in beetles.

Reproduction

Reproductive methods not specified; likely involves oviposition on host plants.

Ecosystem Role

Contributes to plant biomass consumption and may play a role in seed dispersal as herbivores.

Evolution

Historically considered a distinct subfamily (Chlamisinae); now classified as a tribe within Cryptocephalinae.