A Status Report on the Species of <I>Timarcha</I> (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract

The species of Timarcha are unique living fossils among the leaf beetles. They walk very slowly, cannot escape by flight, and their majestic bearing can be compared to the Athenian Judges, the Tlmarches. Unfortunately, they are vulnerable to habitat disturbance, insecticides, and environmental changes. Some of the European such as Timarcha tenebricosa and T. goettinqensis are becoming more and more rare because of these same habitat changes.