Paropsis Explained

Paropsis is a genus of Chrysomelidae, commonly referred to as tortoise beetles, which includes over 70 described species.[1] Their small size, bright colours and patterns, and roughly hemispherical shape cause them to be mistaken for beetles in the family Coccinellidae (ladybirds).[2] They are distributed across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.[3] Some species, Paropsis atomaria in particular, have been introduced to the United States in California with first official documented sightings in 2022.[4] They primarily feed on Eucalyptus but there are a few that feed on Baeckea, Kunzea and Leptospermum. Species within this genus are noted as pests. For example, Paropsis charybdis is a pest of Eucalyptus in New Zealand.[5]

Species

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Statistics for Paropsis Olivier, 1807 . Australian Biological Resources Study, Australian Faunal Directory . 2012 . 2017-02-28.
  2. Web site: Leaf Beetles - family Chrysomelidae, Field Guild . 2011 . 2017-02-28.
  3. Web site: Paropsis Olivier, 1807 . Atlas of Living Australia . 2017-02-28.
  4. Web site: Beucke . Kyle . 2022 . California Pest Rating Proposal-- Paropsis atomaria . 2023-12-22 . California Department of Food and Agriculture.
  5. Web site: Paropsis charybdis, Eucalyptus tortoise beetle . Dean Satchell . Farm Forestry New Zealand . 2010 . 2017-02-28.

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