Disonycha

Chevrolat in Dejean, 1836

Species Guides

32

Disonycha is a of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) containing approximately 170 distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Species in this genus are herbivorous, with many showing strong plant specializations including passion vines (Passiflora), willows (Salix), and legumes. Some species exhibit eruptive and at least two passion vine have been documented practicing ( oophagy) by —a first reported for the Galerucinae.

Disonycha caroliniana by (c) Jake McCumber, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jake McCumber. Used under a CC-BY license.Disonycha quinquelineata by (c) Eridan Xharahi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eridan Xharahi. Used under a CC-BY license.Disonycha politula by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Disonycha: //dɪˈsɒnɪkə//

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Habitat

Associated with plants in diverse environments including serpentine barrens, agricultural fields, and natural vegetation . Specific requirements vary by and correspond to host plant distribution.

Distribution

Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Documented in eastern United States (including Vermont), Mexico (Tabasco), and Argentina.

Diet

Herbivorous; larvae and feed on foliage of plants. Documented host associations include Passiflora (passion vines), Salix exigua (coyote willow), Crotalaria longirostrata (longbeak rattlebox), and Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligatorweed). Adults of some have been observed consuming (egg ).

Host Associations

  • Passiflora - herbivorepassion vine ; documented
  • Salix exigua - herbivoreprimary for D. pluriligata
  • Crotalaria longirostrata - pest herbivoreD. teapensis attacks all phenological stages
  • Alternanthera philoxeroides - herbivoretarget for by D. argentinensis

Behavior

Some exhibit eruptive characterized by rapid increases. Females make active oviposition choices regarding plant selection. of at least two passion vine species practice oophagy ( ).

Ecological Role

Herbivore; some function as plant with potential for of plants. can lead to significant foliage damage on host plants.

Human Relevance

Some are agricultural pests (e.g., D. teapensis on Crotalaria crops). D. argentinensis has been evaluated as a candidate agent for alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) in the United States.

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Sources and further reading