Tasmanian leaf beetle on holidays (Paropsis delittlei)

This species was described a endemic to Tasmania but we found one at our local primary school.
About 10mm long. Attracted to lights at night.

comments (3)

Martin Lagerwey

Lion

I've pondered this specimen for some time. P. deLittlei is considered to be endemic (Tasmania) and P. intermedia is mainland (Portland to Brisbane). Dissection of males appears to confirm this view. Yours is female and pointless to dissect even if you could find her again. Your beetle contains a small top/centre ring of white verrucae which i've not seen on any Victorian beetles but almost all Tasmanian ones (P. deLittlei) male or female. Is this significant? Maybe. I have found two other tasmanian beetles that are not recorded in Victoria (Paropsisterna philomela and Paropsis deboeri). Conclusion; I think Gunter will say "intermedia" but I submit a tiny doubt. Posted 9 years ago
1. Mark Ridgway
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks for that Martin. Please tell me how to recognise the females. Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Martin Lagerwey
    
    Lion
    
    I have just built a page to explain gender determination so that anyone can enquire;
    https://sites.google.com/site/paropsispages/gender-determination
    I happen to know these species already from deLittle's paper and pers. comm. and can tell at a glance.
    It has taken a bit of time for me to be able to tell but now I have to notice.
    When all else fails, you can dissect it for aedaegus, or check who is on top, that is the easiest.
    I will need to do lots of this in the next year to determine species (the variicollis; obovata; fastidiosa; rufescens mess) Posted 9 years ago

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By Mark Ridgway

Uploaded Mar 21, 2016. Captured Sep 16, 2013 04:49 in 10 Talaskia Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Australia.

Explore Australia 13,085 4,176 3

EX-Z2000
f/3.4
1/20s
ISO64
8.46mm

Captured in the winter. More winter photos.