The Palearctic flea beetle Epitrix pubescens (Koch) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) established in North America

Abstract

The Palearctic flea beetle Epitrix pubescens (Koch) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) is reported as established in North America. It is recorded in the United States from Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, and Wisconsin, and in Canada from the Provinces of Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. The oldest records are from 1975. The species has been reported feeding on Solanum dulcamara L. (Solanaceae). Full distributional information and reference photos for identification are provided. Epitrix pubescens may have avoided detection for such a long time due to its size, difficulty of identification, and affinity for a weed rather than agricultural crops. The more than 40-year lag between arrival and discovery of an immigrant species illustrates the importance of routine biodiversity monitoring efforts and taxonomic works.