Acromis sparsa ( Boheman 1854 )

Chaboo, Caroline S., 2001, Revision And Phylogenetic Analysis Of Acromis Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Stolaini), The Coleopterists Bulletin 55 (1), pp. 75-102 : 84-88

Acromis sparsa ( Boheman 1854)

Figs. 1–3, 8, 18–19, 23

Selenis sparsa Boheman 1854:100 [original description]; Boheman 1856:86 [catalog]; Chapuis 1875:401 [characters]; Champion 1893:159 [distribution]; Spaeth 1914:52 [catalog]; Guérin 1953:109 [list]; Borowiec 1999:83 [catalog; synonym of A. sparsa ].

Acromis sparsa (Boheman) : Blackwelder 1946:743 [checklist]; Borowiec 1996:121 [distribution]; Windsor, Riley, and Stockwell 1992:383 [key]; Windsor and Choe 1994:112 [natural history]; Hsiao and Windsor 1999: 43 [systematic position]; Borowiec 1999:83 [catalog].

Diagnosis. This species is easily diagnosed from the other species on the

basis of several features: the body color is tan with small black spots, the elytra lacks a ridge in the anterior portion so the body profile is rounded, and the elytral lateral margins are evenly curved. The basal margin of the pronotum is straight along the ‘‘window’’ between the pronotum and the elytra, and not curved as in the other two species. The ventral body color is tan to yellow brown.

Description. Adult. Body: male length = 10–13.4 mm, width = 8.9–14.4 mm; female length = 10.8–12.1 mm, width = 8.4–11.2 mm. Dorsal and ventral color tan to light brown.

Head: clypeus quadrate, and not protuberant from genae. Thorax: pronotal disc maculation with two black medial stripes and two lateral spots; stripes extend from anterior edge of pronotum or anterior edge of disc, and almost reaching posterior edge of pronotum; edges may be blackish. Prosternal collar, with slight posterior grooves; without medial depression. Elytra: dorsal surface with widely separated fine black spots; spots of variable intensity and density; basal edge, humeral ridge and suture black. Metepisternum smooth. Male genitalia ( Fig. 18 ): no apparent variation. Female genitalia: no apparent variation. Spermatheca ( Figs. 19 ): receptacle base developed; distal margin of appendix convex, proximal margin evenly curved; proximal section of duct with approximately seven coils.

Egg ( Fig. 23 ). Length = 1.4–1.6 mm; greatest diameter = 0.6–0.7 mm (n = 10). Oblong, white, with single tanned micropyle. Mass consists of 35– 44 eggs glued together with colleterial secretions, secretions hardened in strands attached to ventral midrib of apical leaf; peduncle consisting of 3– 5 eggs glued along their lengths.

Type Material. Lectotype designated by Borowiec (1999). Deposited in: Naturhistoriska Riksmusset ( NHRS), Stockholm, Sweden. Type locality: Columbia, M. Gall.

Distribution. Previously published localities for this species include: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru ( Spaeth 1941; Blackwelder 1946; Borowiec 1996). Specimens examined in this study were collected in all these countries and also Venezuela.

Material Examined. Lectotype, and 537 specimens with the following label data:

BOLIVIA: (1, MNHUB) ; S. Fermin S. (2, NHRS) ; Las Juntas, coll. Steinbach, (9, CMNH) ; Quatro Ojos, coll. Steinbach, (2, CMNH) ; Cuatro Ojos , 18.XI.1956; coll. G. Pinckert (2, USNM) ; Dept. Cochabamba: Chapare, Villa Gral Roman , I.1952, coll. R. Martinez (2, USNM) ; Dept. Cochabamba: 1 km E Villa Tunari, 8–12.X.1992, coll. E. Giesbert (3, FSCA) ; Dept. Cochabamba: 360 m alt., San Antonio Rd., 5.VIII.1951, coll. G. H. Dieke (1, USNM; 7, USNM); Guanay , La Paz: Rio Bopi Dept. , V.1925, coll. G. L. Harrington (2, USNM) ; Dept. Santa Cruz: 6 km NE Montero, 4.VII.1982, N. H. Williams (1, FSCA) ; Chapare, 400 m, coll. Zitschka (8, USNM) ; Salinas , Beni R., VIII.1895, coll. M. Stuart (3, MCZC) ; Huachi, Rio Beni, September, coll. W. M. Mann, Mulford Biol. Expl. 1921–1922 (1, USNM) ; 19.VIII.1989, coll. L. Pena (1, EGRC) ; Beni, Cosincho Regn , VIII.1925, G. L. Harrington (2, USNM) ; Beni: 2.5 km N. Rurrenabaque , 11.VII.1998, coll. K. B. Miller, 14 ° 25 ̍ 29 ̎ S, 67 ° 30 ̍ 40 ̎ W (19, KBMC) ; BRAZIL: (1, FMNH) ; Amazonas (2, MNHUB; 5, FMNH; 4, BMNH); Amazonas , coll. Bates (2, BMNH) ; Borba Rio Madeira, Est. Amazonas Parko , V.1943, coll. Dr. Nick (2, USNM) ; Chapada (1, CMNH) ; Campinas: Est. Goyaz, 1935, coll. R. Spitz (3, MACN) ; Rondonia, 62 km SW Ariquemes, nr Fzda. Rancho Grande , 5–17.X.1993, coll. JE Eger & LB & CW O’Brien (4, FSCA) ;

COLOMBIA: (8, BMNH; 4, CMNH; 1, FMNH; 9, MCZC; 6, MNHUB; 2, NHRS); 1897, coll. Pittier (1, BMNH) ; Bogota (1, MNHUB) ; Sevilla Mgd , 6.V.1928, coll. Darlington (2, MCZC) ; Sevilla Mgd, coll. Darlington (13, MCZC) ; Rio Frio , coll. Darlington (3, MCZC) ; Cali , 9.XII.1894, coll. W. Rosenberg (1, MCZC) ; Lake Sapatoza region, Chiriguana District , 8.XI.1924, coll. C. Allen (2, BMNH) ;

COSTA RICA: (5, BMNH; 3, MNHUB; 7, MCZC; 3, USNM) ; Santa Mateo , coll. Biolley (3, CMNH) ; Piedras Negra (13, MNHUB) ; 3.III.1937, coll. M. J. Forsell (1, USNM) ; s. s. ‘‘ La Perla ,’’ 24.I.1909 (1, CAS) ; Baru : Puntarenas, 7.VIII.1990, coll. W. F. Chamberlain (1, TAMU) ; Cajon : San Jose, 7.VIII.1990, coll. G. M. Chamberlain (1, TAMU) ; Ala. Prv. : 6–8 km W Atenas, 1– 2.VI.1980, coll. J. E. Wappes (2, TAMU; 3, UGCA) ; Heredia: Est. Biol. La Selva , 11–13.X.1995, coll. E. G. Riley (1, TAMU) ; Costa Rica: Pacific Lowlands, nr. San Isidro de General , 25.VI.1962, coll. L. Berkeley (1, FSCA) ; Puntarenas Prv., Nr. Villa Nelly, 12.VII.1967, coll. D. H. Janzen (1, USNM) ; Prov. Heredia, Finca la Selve Verde , 12 km S. Puerto Viejo, 500 ft, 23– 26.IX.1986, coll. J. E. Eger (6, EGRC; 1, FSCA) ; Rio Reventazon, near Siquirres , 14.III.1991, coll. M. E. Rice (1, EGRC) ; Guanacaste, Vulcan Miravalles, Geothermal Area , forest edge assoc., 5.VII.1991, coll. J. T. Doyen (1, CISC) ; 4–11 mi N Palmar Sur Puntarenas, Rio Terraba , 8.VII.1965, coll. H. G. Real (2, CAS) ; coll. F. Nevermann (9, USNM) ; Piedra Negras , colls. Schild & Burgdorf (6, USNM) ; Atinas , colls. Schild & Burgdorf (1, USNM) ; Orotina , XI.1935, coll. M. Corrales (1, USNM) ; S. Domingo , IX.1919, coll. F. Knab (1, USNM) ;

MEXICO: (7, BMNH); coll. Dr. Gemngr. (4, MNHUB);

NICARAGUA: (4, MCZC); Chontales, coll. Jannson (4, BMNH);

PANAMA: (1, CAS; 9, BMNH; 6, MCZC) ; 2.IV.1930 (1, USNM); coll. Bro. O. Regis (2, USNM) ; 14.X.1937, coll. J. R. Wood (1, USNM); Tole´, coll. Champion (4, BMNH; 1, USNM); Bugaba, 800–1,500 ft, coll. Champion (2, BMNH); Matachin , VII.1877, coll. C. Thieme (2, BMNH; 3, MNHUB); Chiriqui (2, BMNH) ; 20.II.1936, coll. B. E. White (1, CAS); David, coll. Cham­ pion (11, AMNH; 11, BMNH; 5, MCZC; 6, MNHUB; 4, NHRS; 4, USNM); Lino (1, FMNH; 1, MNHUB); coll. Dr. O. Thieme (8, MNHUB): Changuinola Dist., Boca Toro, coll. F. R. Swift (1, CUIC); Changuinola Dist., Boca Toro (5, CUIC); Chilbrillo Caves , 3 . I.1 1945, coll. K. E. Frick (2, CAS); Fort Clayton , 7.V.1945, coll. R. H. Arnett, Jr. (1, FMNH); Chilibri , 27.III.1945, coll. S. L. Meyer (1, FMNH); Cerro de Campana: Cocle, El Valle, 500–600 m , VII.1981, coll. N. L. H. Krauss (6, AMNH); Bugaba, 800–1,500 ft, coll. Champion (2, USNM; 1, AMNH); Bugaba (1, USNM); Alejandro, 300 m, VI.1497, coll. Wegroush (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Juan Mina , 5 mi up Chagres Riv ., 24.VIII.1918, coll. H. Morrison (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Gamboa, 1921, coll. N. Banks (3, MCZC); nr. Pacora , 13.VI.1944, coll. G. Fairchild (1, MCZC); La Chorrera, 12.VIII, coll. F. N. Young (1, MCZC; 1 MACN); Canal Zone: Cristobal , 31.VIII.1925, coll. Cockerell (2, AMNH); Canal Zone , XII.1960, G. Frey (6, MACN); Canal Zone: Madden Forest , 27.IX.1969, coll. H. P. Stockwell (1, MCZC); Canal Zone: Madden Res ., 11.V.1972, colls. R. & E. Froeschner (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Summit , XI.1965, coll. N. L. H. Krause (2, USNM); Canal Zone: 1 m S. Gamboa , 14.VI.1970, coll. H. Stockwell (2, BMNH; 1, FSCA); Canal Zone : 5 mi NW Gamboa , 3.II.1970, coll. H. P. Stockwell (1, FSCA); Canal Zone : 5 mi NW Gamboa, 9 ° 10 ̍ N, 79 ° 43 ̍ W , 27.IV.1974, coll. W. Bivin (1, USNM); 3 mi NW Paraiso , 1.VII.1971, W. E. Bivin (1, USNM); Panama Prov.: El Llano Carti Rd. , 4 km , 5.XI.1979, 9 ° 14 ̍ N, 78 ° 57 ̍ W (1, TAMU); Porto Bello Rd ., 16.II.1911, coll. E. A. Scharwz (9, USNM); Panama: Canal Zone , 10.V.1972, colls. R. & E. Froeschner (3, USNM); Canal Zone: Gatun , 21.IV.1911, A. H. Jennings (4, USNM); Panama Prov.: Pipeline Road , 5.V.1979 (1, TAMU); Colon Prov.: Santa Rita Ridge , 300 m , 10–11.VI.1977, colls. H. & A. Howden (1, CMNC; 1, FMNH); Panama´, Parq. Nac. Soberania, Pipeline rd at km 2 , 16.V.1993, coll. E. Riley (2, EGRC); Canal Zone: Gamboa , 18.VI.1976, coll. E. G. Riley (5, EGRC; 5, UMCM) ; 13.VII.1971, coll. E. G. Riley (1, EGRC); Canal Zone: Panama Rd. leading to La Pita Signal Station , 1.III.1971, coll. E. G. Riley (2, EGRC); Canal Zone: Panama Tank Hill, Near Albrook Field , 7.II.1971, coll. E. G. Riley (1, EGRC); Canal Zone: Panama Tank Hill, Near Albrook Field , 8.V.1971, coll. E. G. Riley (1, EGRC); Canal Zone: Panama Rd. leading to La Pita Signal Station , 8.VI.1976, coll. E. G. Riley (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Gamboa , 18.VI.1976, coll. E. G. Riley (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Gatun Lake , 1 mi S. Barro Colorado Island , 27.VI.1976, coll. E. G. Riley (2, EGRC); Canal Zone: Gamboa, Pipeline Rd nr. Gamboa , 1.VII.1976, coll. E. G. Riley (2, EGRC); Canal Zone: Fort Kobbe , 20.VI.1976, coll. E. G. Riley (3, EGRC); Canal Zone: Gamboa, La Pita Signal Station rd , 29.VI.1976, coll. E. G. Riley (1, EGRC; 12, UMCM); Canal Zone: Margarita , 25–28.X.1972, coll. L. H. Rolston (3, EGRC); Canal Zone: Contractor’s Hill , 22.V.1980, coll. E. G. Riley (1, EGRC); Canal Zone: Coco Solo Hospital , 7–9.XI.1972, coll. Engleman (1, EGRC); Canal Zone: Gamboa , 20.V.1980, coll. D. LeDoux (2, EGRC); Canal Zone: La Pita Signal Station rd ., 16.V.1980, coll. E. G. Riley & LeDoux (1, EGRC); Canal Zone: Madden Forest , 18.V.1980, colls. E. Riley & LeDoux (4, EGRC); Canal Zone : K­1 rd nr. Ft. Kobbe , 19.V.1980, colls. E. Riley & LeDoux (1, EGRC); Canal Zone: Fort Clayton , 27.VII.1984, coll. H. Stockwell (1, MCZC); Panama: Llano Carti Rd , at km 9 , 18.V.1993, coll. E. Riley (1, EGRC); Porto Bello: 11–21.II, coll. A. Busck (1, USNM); Porto Bello: 11–16.II, coll. A. Busck (4, USNM); Porto Bello: 4–11.III, coll. A. Busck (6, USNM); Porto Bello: 11–28.II, coll. A. Busck (2, USNM); Porto Bello: 27.II, coll. A. Busck (3, USNM); Porto Bello: 7–11.III, coll. A. Busck (1, USNM); Cerro Campana , 3.VIII.1979, coll. S. Gross (1, USNM); Canal Zone: coll. Bro. G. Irenao (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Gamboa G206 , 31.VIII.1918, coll. H. F. Dietz (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Mojinga Swamp , Ft. Sherman , 21.VIII.1951, coll. F. S. Blanton (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Madden Res ., 1.V.1972, colls. R. & E. Froeschner (2, USNM); Tabernilla , 4.VI.1907, coll. A. Busck (1, USNM); Canal Zone: old Gamboa Rd near Summit , 27.VI.1978, colls. Silberglied & Aiello (3, USNM); Canal Zone: Summit , VII.1953, coll. Krauss (1, USNM); Bocas del Toro , 6.VII.1908, coll. W. Robinson (4, USNM); Canal Zone: Summit , XI.1946, coll. N. L. H. Krauss (3, USNM); Canal Zone: Paraiso , 2– 1.IV.1911, coll. E. A. Schwarz (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Paraiso , 20.III.1911, coll. E. A. Schwarz (1, USNM); Canal Zone: Frijoles, coll. E. A. Schwarz (1, USNM); Canal Zone : 26.I.1911, coll. E. A. Schwarz (1, USNM); Panama Pr. , 8–10 km N El Llano , 26.IV–4.V.1992, coll. E. Giesbert (3, FSCA); Canal Zone: Madden Forest , 27.X.1969, coll. H. P. Stockwell (2, BMNH); Panama Prov.: Reserva Sobrina Pipeline road at km 2 , 16.V.1993, colls. F. Andrews & A. Gilbert (1, TAMU); Bocas del Toro Prov.: 6 km N Punta Pena , 27.V.1993, colls. F. Andrews & A. Gilbert (1, TAMU); Canal Zone: Soberania National Park, nr. Gamboa , Pipeline Rd ., 16.V.1995, coll. C. S. Chaboo (4, CSCC); Canal Zone: Soberania National Park, nr. Gamboa , Pipeline Rd ., 19.V.1995, coll. C. S. Chaboo (5, CSCC); Canal Zone: Old Gamboa Road , 24.V.1995, coll. C. S. Chaboo (5, CSCC) ;

PERU: (1, MNHUB;1, CMNH) ; Pachitea (2, NHRS) ; Pucalpa: Rio Uyacali , coll. Dirings (1, MACN) ; Chaquimayo , coll. N. Holmgren (1, MACN) ; Huanuco Dept., Tingo Maria National Park, Tingo Maria , 660 m, 11–17.IV.1987, coll. E. G. Eger (2, FSCA; 2, EGRC) ; Huanuco Dept., Cueva de las Pavas Canyon , 2600 ̍, 8 km S Tingo Maria, 11–17.IV.1987, coll. J. E. Eger (3, EGRC) ; Rio Tambopata Res., 30 km (air) SW Pto. Maldonato, 290 m, 12 ° 50 ̍ S 69 ° 20 ̍ W, 3 October – 15.XI.1983, coll. N. E. Stork (9, BMNH) ; Jauja Prov.: Satipo , III.1945, coll. P. Paprzycki (3, AMNH) ; Loreto Prov., 80 km NE Iquitos, Explorama Lodge, 1 km from Amazon R. on Rio Yanamono , 1–5.IX.1992, colls. Castner & Skelley, day catch (1, FSCA) ; Huanuco Dept.: Tingo Maria , 19.VI.1989, coll. J. Ch. De Vela (1, FSCA) ; Huanuco Dept., Tingo Maria , XI.1980, coll. K. G. P. Mafham (2, BMNH) ; Jauja Prov.: Satipo , VI.1945, coll. P. Paprzycki, coll. F. Johnson (2, AMNH) ;

VENEZUELA: Caracas (1, MNHUB) ; Portuguesa: Las Cruces , 1.VII.1983, colls. Clark & Clark (2, TAMU) ; Tachira: 2,200 ft 12 km SE San Cristobal , 20.V.1974, colls. H. & A. Howden (1, EGRC) .

Variation. Color varies from tan to light brown. Maculation varies in intensity, from faint to dark. The humeral fold is variable in length, degree of folding, and color. Windsor (1987) suggests that this folding is not as developed in smaller males.

Egg masses in this species are known to be quite variable, ranging from 13 to 149 eggs ( Windsor 1987). I have observed both pentatomids and reduviids ( Heteroptera ) preying on larvae in Panama.

Remarks. Some specimens have labels that indicate they were collected from Polygonaceae , and Leguminosae (vine). These hosts are not commonly known for the genus, and they remain to be confirmed.

A curious phenomenon was observed in dissecting apparent ‘‘females,’’ i.e., lacking antero­lateral extension of the elytra in the humeral area. Of 60 dissected, 16 turned out to be males (Fig. 2). In the field, such males are externally indistinguishable from females (pers. obs.). The development of the humeral folding can be variable ( Windsor 1987) but the complete absence of any mod­ ifications at all in this area suggests a morphological polymorphism. If this is a biphasic species with two male morphs, it would be the first such case in the Cassidinae .

Figures

Figs. 13–22. Acromis spp. 13) A. venosa, head, ventral view, scale bar = 0.5 mm. Figs. 14–17) A. spinifex, mouthparts, scale bar = 0.2 mm. 14) labrum; 15) mandible; 16) maxilla; 17) Labium; 18) A. sparsa, aedeagus, scale bar = 0.5 mm. Figs. 19–21) Spermatheca, scale bar = 0.25. 19) A. sparsa; 20) A. spinifex; 21) A. venosa. Fig. 22) A. venosa, wing, scale bar = 1 mm.

Figs. 23–24. Eggs, scale bar = 1 mm. 23) A. sparsa; 24) A. spinifex.