Argopistes Motschulsky from Madagascar with descriptions of six new species (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)

Abstract

The revision of the flea beetle genus Argopistes Motschulsky, 1860 in Madagascar is provided. Six new species are described: Argopistes janakmoravecorum sp. nov., A. laterosinuatus sp. nov., and A. vadoni from the northern area; A. jenisi sp. nov., A. keiseri sp. nov., and A. seyrigi sp. nov. from the central area. A new synonym of Argopistes brunneus Weise, 1895 is established: A. sexguttatus Weise, 1895, syn. nov., since A. sexguttatus is shown to be a chromatic form of A. brunneus. A diagnostic key of the seven Malagasy Argopistes species is provided, with photographs of the habitus, median lobe of the aedeagus, and spermatheca. Finally, based on known occurrences, the current suitable areas for this flea beetle genus in Madagascar are estimated using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) techniques.