ARS | Publication request: A Relict Crucifer, Sisymbrium Elatum C. Koch (Cruciferae), and Associated Phytophagous Beetles in Northeastern Turkey, with Redescription of Psylliodes Pallidicornis Heikertinger

Submitted to: Contributions to systematics and biology of beetles: Papers celebrating the 80th birthday of Igor Konstantinovich Lopatin
Publication Type: Book/Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: July 17, 2005
Publication Date: November 6, 2005
Citation: Dorofeyev, V.I., Korotyaev, B.A., Konstantinov, A.S., Gultekin, L. 2005. A relict crucifer, Sisymbrium elatum C. Koch (Cruciferae), and associated phytophagous beetles in Northeastern Turkey, with redescription of Psylliodes pallidicornis Heikertinger. In: Konstantinov, A.S., Tishechkin, A.K. and Penev, L., editors. Contributions to systematics and biology of beetles: Papers celebrating the 80th birthday of Igor Konstantinovich Lopatin. Sofia-Moscow: Pensoft Publishers. p. 81-88.

Interpretive Summary: Leaf beetles and in particular flea beetles are among the most important insects for U.S. agriculture. Many are serious pests and feed on crops and destroy valuable plants; others are important biological control agents that can be used to kill unwanted weeds. This work describes a leaf beetle species associated with weedy plants in the mustard family, providing key characters, description, and illustrations to allow for its identification and thus make it available for potential use in biological control projects. This study will be useful to biological control workers, taxonomists, ecologists, and anyone interested in phytophagous beetles and their hosts.

Technical Abstract: A population of a relict crucifer Sisymbrium elatum C. Koch was found in Northeastern Turkey. Two species of phytophagous beetles were collected on S. elatum, a flea beetle, Psylliodes pallidicornis Heikertinger, 1921 (Chrysomelidae) and a weevil, Ceutorhynchus sisymbrii Dieckmann, 1966 (Curculionidae). Habitat of S. elatum and associated phytophagous beetles is described. Information on geographic distribution and other hosts is presented. Diagnostic characters and illustrations of major features of Psylliodes pallidicornis are provided.