Open Access

Richard H. Parry

• Crepidodera Chevrolat is a genus of small metallic-colored flea beetles belonging to the family Chrysomelidae. Although these insects are quite common in the field and numerous in museum collections, the members of the genus in North America are, until now, poorly known. Heikertinger (1948-1950) recognized 4 taxa and recently, Lazorko (1974) described 3 additional species. These 7 species were recognized primarily on the basis of genital differences and were otherwise difficult to identify. Examination of a large accumulation of museum material and investigations in the field have indicated the presence of several additional species in the North American fauna. A detailed study of external characters, male genitalia and female spermathecae has revealed, in material previously referred to the Palaearctic species, C. fulvicornis (F.), a complex of closely related species. Essentially nothing was known about the biology of the North American species. General information on host plants was available and the general seasonal occurrence and habits of adults were described by Loan (1967b). However, the immature stages and life histories of all members of the genus were unknown. This has now been remedied with the discovery, during the course of this study, of the larvae of two species. The main purpose of this paper, therefore, is to consolidate the existing information on the genus in North America, describe 8 new species, redefine the previously described species, provide a key and illustrations to aid in their identification, and to describe the immature stages for 2 species. A discussion of the host plant relationships and the general life history of members of the genus is also presented.