Colaspis brownsvillensis
Blake, 1975
Brownsville milkvine leaf beetle, Texas Milkvine Colaspis
Colaspis brownsvillensis is a leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, first described by Doris Holmes Blake in 1975 (published 1976) from specimens collected in Brownsville, Texas. The is to Texas and is closely related to Colaspis nigrocyanea. It is commonly known as the Brownsville milkvine leaf beetle or Texas Milkvine Colaspis. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 20 documented observations in iNaturalist.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Colaspis brownsvillensis: /koʊˈlæspɪs braʊnsˌvɪˈlɛnsɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from by its association with the Brownsville, Texas region and its description as a close relative of Colaspis nigrocyanea. Specific diagnostic morphological features are not documented in available sources.
Distribution
to Texas, United States. Known from the Brownsville area in southern Texas. Distribution records indicate presence in North America.
Host Associations
- Milkvine - presumed larval or plantInferred from 'Brownsville milkvine leaf beetle' and 'Texas Milkvine Colaspis', though specific milkvine (Asclepias or related ) is not documented
Similar Taxa
- Colaspis nigrocyaneaExplicitly described as a close relative by Blake; likely shares morphological similarities and may occur in similar
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was described by Doris Holmes Blake in 1975 (the publication date is sometimes cited as 1976). The specific epithet 'brownsvillensis' refers to the type locality of Brownsville, Texas.
Data scarcity
This is poorly documented in scientific literature beyond its original description. The 20 iNaturalist observations suggest it is rarely encountered or underreported, possibly due to its restricted range or cryptic habits.