Paropsisterna laesa species complex
Laesa leaf beetle at Melba, ACT
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| Paropsisterna laesa species complex | AlisonMilton | 28 Aug 2024 | |
| Paropsisterna laesa species complex | kasiaaus | 28 Aug 2024 |
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5 comments
28 Aug 2024
Paropsisterna laesa is a species complex. I have dissected and determined several different species but only two, so far as I know, are described and named. Currently P. laesa (Germar 1848) refers to one pale insect lacking the transverse saddle. Insects of Tasmania calls it P. detrita (Fabricius, 1775), which might be a senior synomym if it can be determined which beetle Fabricius, (1775) was referring to. The provinence is flakey in my opinion. Fabricius sailed with Cook, one of the earliest scientists in Australia. P. laesa/detrita can be green in Tasmania and NSW but not in Vic (so far). It is the same species as the silver/white one. Specimens with a dark transverse saddle are definately a different, undetermined species. It is called Paropsisterna sp. (“Ch11” of DeLittle 1979). Some Queensland specimens with a sub-apical dot are called P. minerva. This dot appears occasionally on other species. There are several closely related species. This one, with a pale transverse band is possibly laesa but I am not certain. I must be careful naming things because people think I know stuff.
28 Aug 2024
Thank you Martin. Is this one OK as Paropsisterna laesa or do you have another suggestion?
29 Aug 2024
Perhaps we should rename it as "Paropsisterna laesa species complex" and put some notes on the species page about the situation.
30 Aug 2024
Thanks Martin, this has been done. I have used your words in the comments, but can amend them if you wish. Visit:- Paropsisterna laesa species complex
Location information
- Coordinates 149.047908-35.209975
- Altitude 819.6m
- Places Melba, ACT
Sighting information
- 1 Abundance
- 27 Aug 2024 02:53 PM Recorded on
- kasiaaus Recorded by
- 5mm to 12mm Animal size
- Alive / healthy Animal health
Collections
- kasiaaus Canberra & Southern Tablelands NatureMapr Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) Beetles (Coleoptera) Insects Paropsisterna laesa species complex
Species information
- Paropsisterna laesa species complex Scientific name
- Laesa leaf beetle Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Local native
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Up to 819.6m Recorded at altitude
- External link More information
Record quality
Quality score
5 / 7
- Images or audio
- More than one media file
- Verified by an expert moderator
- GPS evidence of location
- Additional attributes
- Nearby sighting(s) of same species
- Description