Dysphenges
Horn, 1894
Species Guides
4Dysphenges is a of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) established by Horn in 1894. The genus comprises four described distributed in North America and Central America. Three species were described by Gilbert and Riley in 2002: D. penrosei, D. rileyi, and D. secretus. As members of the Alticini tribe, these beetles possess the enlarged hind characteristic of flea beetles, enabling their distinctive jumping locomotion.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dysphenges: /dɪsˈfɛn.dʒiːz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Dysphenges can be distinguished from other flea beetle by the combination of characters detailed in the original description and the 2002 revision by Gilbert and Riley. The genus-level requires examination of male genitalia and other fine morphological characters. Species-level identification relies on subtle differences in coloration, punctuation patterns, and genitalic structure as described in the taxonomic revision.
Distribution
North America and Central America. Specific have been recorded from the United States, with D. penrosei named in honor of California coleopterist Richard L. Penrose.
Behavior
As members of the Alticini tribe, individuals possess enlarged hind adapted for jumping, a characteristic of flea beetles.
Similar Taxa
- Other Alticini generaMany flea beetle share the enlarged hind and general body plan; precise identification requires examination of diagnostic morphological characters including male genitalia.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was revised by Arthur J. Gilbert and Edward G. Riley in 2002, who described three new from the United States in a paper published in The Pan-Pacific Entomologist 88(2):163–172. This paper appeared in the Richard L. Penrose Memorial issue of the journal.
Etymology
Dysphenges penrosei was named in honor of Richard L. Penrose (1943–2011), a prominent California coleopterist and long-time member of the Pacific Coast Entomological Society.