Immatures of Gratiana conformis (Boheman) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Immatures of Gratiana conformis (Boheman) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae). Egg cases and larvae of Gratiana conformis (Boheman, 1854) were collected on Solanum paniculatum L. and reared in laboratory. Egg case, egg, third instar and mature larvae and pupa are described and illustrated. Biological notes and a comparison with the immatures of other Gratiana species and Charidotis gemellata Boheman, 1855, are also presented.KEYWORDS. Brazil; Charidotis; egg case; exuvio-fecal shield; Solanum. RESUMO. Imaturos de Gratiana conformis (Boheman) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae). Ootecas e larvas de Gratiana conformis (Boheman, 1854) foram coletadas em Solanum paniculatum L. e criadas em laboratório. Ooteca, ovo, larva de terceiro instar, larva madura e pupa são descritas e ilustradas. Dados biológicos e comparação dos imaturos com outras espécies de Gratiana e Charidotis gemellata Boheman, 1855, também são apresentados.

Biology ofOmaspides pallidipennisBoheman, 1854 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)

“…However, the subsociality is one of several adaptations aimed at facing adverse conditions [37]. Unlike the physical protection provided to the eggs by the mother, as in Acromis sparsa Boheman, 1854 [38], the nonsubsocial Cassidinae can make use of different adaptations, such as the protection of the eggs through an ootheca [39][40][41] and oootheca and feces [42] or a gelatinous matrix with feces, as in Hemisphaerota cyanea Say, 1824 [43], thus making access more difficult for the natural enemies.…”