Janbechynea
Monrós, 1953
Species Guides
1Janbechynea is a of leaf beetles in the Orsodacnidae, containing at least 12 described distributed in North America. The genus is named in honor of Czech entomologist Jan Bechyně. of at least one species, J. elongata, are specialized herbivores of cycads. The genus is divided into two subgenera: Janbechynea and Bothroscelis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Janbechynea: //ˌjan.bɛˈkiː.ni.ə//
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Habitat
Includes both natural (e.g., Sierra de Otontepec in Veracruz) and anthropogenic environments such as public and private gardens.
Distribution
North America; specifically documented from Mexico (Veracruz) with records from both natural areas and cultivated settings.
Seasonality
of J. elongata arrive suddenly at the end of spring; large observed in morning hours.
Diet
of J. elongata feed on leaflets of cycads with smooth texture, and sometimes on the rachis. Documented include Ceratozamia huastecorum, Cycas revoluta, and Cycas circinalis.
Host Associations
- Ceratozamia huastecorum - food plantObserved in Sierra de Otontepec; 5% of affected
- Cycas revoluta - food plantObserved in gardens in northern Veracruz; large plants infested to 100%
- Cycas circinalis - food plantObserved in gardens in northern Veracruz; large plants infested to 100%
Life Cycle
Larvae, pupae, and have not been observed for J. elongata due to removal of by inhabitants.
Behavior
Exhibits gregarious or solitary . are active in morning hours. Arrival at plants is sudden and occurs at end of spring.
Ecological Role
Herbivore on cycads; can cause significant defoliation, with large ornamental cycads experiencing complete .
Human Relevance
are removed by inhabitants to prevent damage to ornamental cycads, disrupting behavioral observation and studies.