The systematic positions of Orsodacne Latr. and Syneta Lac. (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae), in relation to characters of larvae, internal anatomy and tarsal vestiture

Summary

The male and female reproductive systems, gut and Malpighian tubules, and ventral nerve cord are described and figured for Orsodacne cerasi L. and Syneta betulae F.; the first instar larva of O. lineola is described and figured, and compared with already described larvae of Syneta betulae and other Chrysomelidae. The adhesive setae of the adult tarsi are described for both species and for representatives of Aulacoscelinae, Megascelinae, Megalopodinae, Sagrinae, Eumolpinae, Hispinae and Camptosomata. The mouthparts of adult Orsodacne and Aulacoscelis are described and figured, with consideration of pollen-eating adaptations in the family. It is concluded that Orsodacne is an isolated and primitive type whose nearest existing relative may be Cucujopsis Crowson in Australia, while Syneta may be allied to both Eumolpinae and Galerucinae. A new key to subfamilies of chrysomelid larvae is provided, and a phyletic dendrogram of the family is figured and discussed.