The flea beetle Systena silvestrii Bechyné 1957 was studied in context with the evaluation of natural enemies of the alligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (Martius) Grisebach (Amaranthaceae). The female is described and the holotype male is redescribed adding new diagnostic characters: mouthparts, hind wings, metendosternite, male and female genitalia. Differences in color patterns between S. silvestrii, S. marcapatensis Bechyné, S. scurra scurra Scherer and S. scurra ajonjoli Bechyné Bechyné are considered. This flea beetle was collected mostly on alligator weed but also on Phyla canescens (Vebenaceae), in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. Therefore, further evaluation is strongly recommended prior to its consideration for biocontrol of A. philoxeroides.
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1 September 2007
Systena silvestrii Bechyné (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Redescription, New distribution and adult host records
Nora Cabrera,
Alejandro Sosa,
Jimena Dorado
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Transactions of the American Entomological Society
Vol. 133 • No. 3
September 2007
Vol. 133 • No. 3
September 2007
alligatorweed
Alternanthera philoxeroides
Alticinae
biological control
Systena silvestrii