Colaspidea
Laporte, 1833
Species Guides
2Colaspidea is a of leaf beetles in the Eumolpinae. The genus exhibits a disjunct distribution, occurring in the Mediterranean region and in western North America (California and the southwestern United States). A notable morphological distinction exists between regional : North American species possess fully developed wings, while Mediterranean species are wingless. Recent phylogenetic hypotheses suggest that Mediterranean Colaspidea may be sister to Chalcosicya, with Colaspina sister to both combined; North American species may represent a separate genus. The genus currently contains 19 described species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Colaspidea: //kəʊləˈspɪdiə//
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Identification
Mediterranean are distinguished from North American species by being wingless (). North American species possess fully developed wings. Species-level identification relies on aedeagal ; the Mediterranean fauna has been revised with emphasis on male genitalic characters for discrimination.
Distribution
Mediterranean region (including Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria) and western North America (California and the southwestern United States). Specific Mediterranean localities include the Algarve (Portugal), Yakouren and Massif du Djurdjura and Constantine (Algeria), and various sites in Morocco.
Similar Taxa
- ChalcosicyaSuggested sister to Mediterranean Colaspidea based on recent phylogenetic hypotheses
- ColaspinaSuggested sister to the combined clade of Mediterranean Colaspidea + Chalcosicya
- North American ColaspideaMay represent a separate distinct from Mediterranean based on wing presence and phylogenetic hypotheses