Inter‐generic differences in the metafemoral apodeme of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Alticinae)

Abstract

Abstract. The metafemoral apodeme, an essential element of the unique jumping mechanism in the chrysomelid subfamily Alticinae (flea beetles), was studied in fifty‐three Palearctic species of twenty‐six genera. Inter‐generic differences are noted and these genera separate into seven groups according to their apodeme structure. The significance of the metafemoral apodeme in phylo‐genetic relationships at the generic and subfamilial level is discussed.

Secondary Sexual Characteristics in the Galerucinae (Sensu Stricto) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

“…Despite the apparently similar larval morphology, the second author has always maintained that the characteristic of the metafemoral spring (found in both sexes) is unique to and primarily defines the Alticinae, and it differentiates this subfamily from the Galerucinae (sensu stricto) [6]. This characteristic also has the very useful aspect that it can be used to distinguish genera in the vast majority of cases because of its consistent morphology in all species of each genus [54][55][56]. One study that tried to demonstrate that the metafemoral spring was variable within a genus [7] failed to recognize that when the spring is taken out of the metafemur and allowed to dry out its very thin chitinous structure shrivels up differently depending on many factors such as how it was treated (e.g., chemicals, temperature, etc.)…”

“…These genera represent 1007 species or 74% of the total 1298 species presently listed. The genus Apophylia has the highest number of species (148) with modified structures followed by Diacantha (81), Megalognatha (59), Aulacophora (54), and Taumacera (45). However, the most common form of SCC is the modified antennae, followed by the modified elytra and the modified head.…”

Jumping mechanisms and performance in beetles. I. Flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticini)

“…5A). The metatibia in jumping leaf beetles of the subfamily Galerucinae shows a large intergeneric variability in morphology (Furth, 1980) that has possible functional consequences for jumping. The length of the metatibia varies from being shorter than the metafemur (e.g.…”

“…Study of the jumping apparatus of flea beetles has a long history beginning with the work of Maulik (1929), who discovered that the swollen hind femur contains a peculiar three-dimensionally convoluted structure, which he referred to as a 'chitinized endoskeletal tendon', also known as 'Maulik's organ'. Anatomically, it provides attachment points for extensor muscles (Maulik, 1929;Furth, 1980;Schmitt, 2004). Hypotheses about the mechanism of jumping in flea beetles were presented in the works of Barth (1954) and Ker (R. F. Ker, Some structural and mechanical properties of locust and beetle cuticle, PhD thesis, Oxford University, 1977), and summarized in Furth (1988).…”

Taxonomic revision of the genus Angulaphthona (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini)

“…The metafemoral extensor tendon of Aphthona (Furth, 1980: Fig. 6) belongs to the Chaetocnema Morpho-Group that is similar to the Psylliodes Morpho-Group, but with dorsal edge of ventral lobe strongly angled down and without the recurved fl ange (Furth, 1980;Furth & Suzuki, 1998). Pronotum bears both diagnostic characters for the genus, and features for distinguishing the species.…”