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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).
Adults of the Neotropical genera Beltia Jacoby (type species: Beltia nicaraguensis Jacoby) and Colaspoides Laporte (type species: Colaspoides limbata [Olivier]) (Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae: Eumolpini) are difficult to separate. In this paper, the genus Beltia Jacoby is redefined and diagnosed by features of the pygidium, lateral wings of the prosternum, and metatibiae to distinguish it from Colaspoides and other medium-sized, ovate Eumolpini. Fourteen new species from Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are described and illustrated—Beltia awapita, B. confusa, B. gorgona, B. herreri, B. ledesmae, B. napoensis, B. osa, B. rugosa, B. sanchezae, B. talaga, B. tilarana, B. tisingalita, B. tsachila and B. vacilona. A key and range maps for all species recognized herein are provided. Colaspoides placidula Bechyne, Colaspoides placidula angustomarginata Bechyne, Colaspoides chiriquensis Jacoby, and Colaspoides weyrauchi Bechyne are transferred to Beltia and redescribed. Colaspoides turrialbana Bechyne is synonymized with B. chiriquensis, and Colaspoides chanchamaya Bechyne is synonomized with B. weyrauchi. Morphological similarities with Beltia indicate that Old World Colaspoides also should be removed from Colaspoides s. str.