Thitipong Hongsuwong.. Taxonomy and distribution of the leaf chafer beetle genus parastasia westwood, 1841 (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Rutelinae) in Thailand. Master's Degree(Entomology). Kasetsart University. Office of the University Library. : Kasetsart University, 2022.
Taxonomy and distribution of the leaf chafer beetle genus parastasia westwood, 1841 (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Rutelinae) in Thailand
Abstract:
One of the largest genera in the Rutelini tribe (subfamily Rutelinae), Parastasia Westwood, 1841 consists of over 100 described species. The Oriental region is where its biodiversity peak. The bionomic information of Parastasia is scarcely known, with the exception of sapro xylophagous behavior in the larval state, the adult state possibly being both the nocturnal or diurnal insects. However, the adult state also has never been mentioned as agricultural pest before, despite the fact that most leaf chafers are documented as phytophagous beetles. In the previous studies, twelve names of Parastasia were listed in Thailand. The main goal of this study is to provide information on the taxonomy, identification, and distribution of Thai Parastasia in order to distinguish them from the other phytophagous rutelines. As the results of investigation specimens in the local collections, 13 species of the genus Parastasia occurred in Thailand. Among them, ten species have already been recorded in the various localities: Parastasia anomala Arrow, 1899; Parastasia bimaculata (Guèrin-Mèneville, 1843); Parastasia bigibbosa Nonfried, 1891; Parastasia birmana Arrow, 1899; Parastasia discolor mirabilis (Arrow, 1899); Parastasia indica Ohaus, 1898; Parastasia masumotoi Wada & Muramoto, 1999; Parastasia spinosa Hongsuwong, Sanguansub & Jaitrong, 2022; Parastasia sulcipennis Gestro, 1888; and Parastasia westwoodii Westwood, 1841, while the other three species are recorded for the first time: Parastasia asahi Wada, 2008; ; Parastasia burmeisteri Ohaus, 1898; and Parastasia kraatzi Ohaus, 1900 which were originally found in Sundaland are firstly reported from southern Thailand. In terms of taxonomic status, Parastasia mirabilis is revised to valid subspecies as P. discolor mirabilis. The taxonomic list, characteristic diagnosis, identification keys to species, taxonomic and biological notes, habitus of adults, and distribution maps of each individual are provided. In addition, the distribution of all species (including the excluded and comparative species) and bionomic information of all species groups are primarily discussed.
Kasetsart University. Office of the University Library