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Novel host records and feeding behaviors are reported for five species in three genera of two cassidine beetle tribes, Hemisphaerotini and Imatidiini, from Ecuador. Carludovica Ruiz and Pav. (Cyclanthaceae) is reported as a new plant family and genus host for two species of Spaethiella Barber and Bridwell. Calathea G. Mey (Marantaceae) is reported as the first host record for Aslamidium capense (Herbst) and Calathea lutea Schult. and Calathea majestica (Linden) H. Kenn. are reported as the first host records for Aslamidium semicirculare (Olivier). Immature stages of Demotispa elaeicola (Aslam) are reported for the first time; larvae are external folivores and both larvae and pupae are solitary and lack exuvio-fecal shields. The adults and larvae of D. elaeicola feed by rasping palm fruits, a rare feeding pattern in Cassidinae.
The fi rst natural history account of Discomorpha (Discomorpha) biplagiata (Guérin) (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Omocerini) from Ecuador is presented. Larvae and adults feed on the leaves and stems of Cordia hebeclada Johnst. (Boraginaceae), the fi rst documented host plant for the species. Oviposition and pupation also occur on this host. Young larvae suffered heavy predation, especially from Ectatomma sp. (Formicidae: Ponerinae) and Oplomus nr. marginalis (Pentatomidae: Asopinae).
Spondias purpurea L. (Anacardiaceae), native to the Neotropical region, is cultivated in the Philippines for the edible fruits and the tree is economically significant. The adventive leaf beetle, Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L.) (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini), has become a major defoliating pest of the tree in the country. The Philippines government has initiated study of the pest, now locally called the sineguelas leaf beetle (SLB). This paper reports the results of a one-year field study on the biology of SLB on S. purpurea (red sineguelas), in Batangas City, Philippines. The SLB eggs hatch in 5–7 days. The larval period is 14–16 days with 4 larval instars, the pre-pupal period is 2–3 days, and the pupal period is 15–22 days. The total life cycle from egg to adult emergence is completed within 36–48 days. Host-choice experiments revealed that different stages of SLB do not feed on carabao mango (Mangifera indica L.) or pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.), however, they fed a little but did not survive or reproduce on cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.). A predatory bug (Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff., Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a potential natural enemy. Unidentified fungi infecting the pupae and adults of SLB were also recorded.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:28A1186E-589B-481A-A868-DE8C1E994352