Hydrothassa

Abstract: Mature larva of Hydrothassa fairmairei (Brisout) is described and illustrated for the first time, based on specimens collected on Ranunculus spp. (Ranunculaceae) in Spain. A key to known larvae of genus Hydrothassa Thomson is provided. Diagnostic characters for the identification of species within this genus are number and size of abdominal dorsal tubercles, size of prothoracical setae and number of setae of anterior dorsal mesoand metathoracical tubercles. The larva of H. fairmairei is similar to that of H. marginella (Linne), but is clearly separated by the number of setae of dorsal anterior tubercle of mesoand metathorax. Notes on distribution and host plants are included.

Abstract: Laboratory experiments were performed on leaf beetles collected on flowers. Flower consumption (anthophagy) was demonstrated for adults of Donacia bicolora, D. brevitarsis, D. obscura, D. thalassina, Plateumaris discolor, Cryptocephalus laetus, C. sericeus, C. solivagus, Labidostomis longimana, Hydrothassa marginella, Phaedon concinnus, Galerucella nymphaeae, Neocrepidodera femorata, Altica oleracea, Aphthona lutescens, Longitarsus pellucidus, and larvae of Entomoscelis adonidis, H. marginella, and G. nymphaeae for the first time for all the species except for P. discolor, L. longimana, and C. sericeus. The feeding behavior was described, and the mouthparts of adults were studied. The mandibles and maxillae of the Donacia, Plateumaris, and Orsodacne species mentioned are adapted to consuming pollen. Some questions of ecology and evolution of anthophagy are discussed. An overview of literature on anthophagy in the leaf beetles is presented.