Percolaspis
Bechyné, 1957
Percolaspis is a of leaf beetles in the Eumolpinae. The genus is distributed across South America and Central America, with occasional records from southern Florida. Several have significant agricultural importance, particularly as pests of cacao and field crops in Brazil.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Percolaspis: //pɛrkoʊˈlæspɪs//
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Habitat
Associated with plants in the Rubiaceae and Fabaceae in Central America. In Brazil, found in cacao plantations and agricultural fields including soybean, corn, and cotton crops.
Distribution
South America, Central America, and southern Florida (United States). Documented in Brazil (Bahia, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso) and Central America.
Diet
Herbivorous. Associated with Rubiaceae and Fabaceae in Central America. Percolaspis ornata feeds on Theobroma cacao (cocoa). A identified as Percolaspis cf. ornata has been observed feeding on soybean, corn, and cotton.
Host Associations
- Theobroma cacao - pestPercolaspis ornata is an important pest of cocoa in Bahia and Espírito Santo, Brazil
- Rubiaceae - associated associated with this plant in Central America
- Fabaceae - associated associated with this plant in Central America
- Glycine max - pestPercolaspis cf. ornata observed feeding on soybean in Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Zea mays - pestPercolaspis cf. ornata observed feeding on corn in Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Gossypium - pestPercolaspis cf. ornata observed feeding on cotton in Mato Grosso, Brazil
Human Relevance
Percolaspis ornata is an important agricultural pest of Theobroma cacao (cocoa) in Brazil. A identified as Percolaspis cf. ornata has recently been found damaging soybean, corn, and cotton crops in Mato Grosso, Brazil, indicating expanding economic impact.
Similar Taxa
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Bechyné in 1957. The synonym Colaspis pulchella insolvens (Bechyné, 1950) was transferred to Percolaspis rugosa (Germar, 1824).