A new species of Parorectis Spaeth from the north-central United States, with notes on prothoracic and head morphology of the genus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Cassidini)

Abstract

A new species of tortoise beetle from the north-central United States, Parorectis arenaria new species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Cassidini), is described and illustrated. Comparative remarks and a key are provided to distinguish the new species from the three other species comprising the genus. Adults and larvae of the new species feed on Physalis L. (Solanaceae). The circum-foraminal ridge and antennal groove of the prothorax are described in detail. The pars stridens (file) of the stridulatory apparatus on the male cranium of the new species is illustrated. The pars stridens is present only in males of Parorectis Spaeth species. A patch of spicules is located centrally on the dorsal surface of the cranium in both males and females of Parorectis. The spicule patch is believed to function as a head-to-body binding patch.