Natural history and biology of Chlamisus minax Lacordaire (Chrysomelidae: Chlamisinae)

Abstract

Although very abundant in the Neotropics, there is little information about the biology, ecology and natural history of Brazilian Chlamisinae beetles. In the present study we investigated directly in the Cerrado vegetation the aspects of natural history and biology of Chlamisus minax Lacordaire. The results showed that the species has annual cycle and the adults are present in the field during the spring and summer when the reproduction occurs. The females cover their eggs with a mantle, and later on the rests of the egg and faeces are added by the larva to the mantle to produce a protective case. The six larval morpho-stages are herbivorous and feed on floral buds of Heteropterys pteropetala A. Juss. (Malpighiaceae). The larvae pupate in the host plants and after that they fall on the ground remaining in diapause between April and October. This is the first study to investigate the biology and natural history of a Brazilian Chlamisinae beetle directly in the field.