G. it. Ent., 8 (43): 105-110
August 31, 1996
Observaciones sobre la variación cromática y los hábitos de
Callirhinus metallescens Blanchard
(Coleoptera: Melolonthidae, Rutelinae)
por
MIGUEL-ANGEL MORÓN y SALVADOR HERNÁNDEZ-RODRÍGUEZ
Abstract - Observations on the colour variation and habits of Callirhinus metallescens Blanchard (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae, Rutelinae) - The colour variation in sample of 100 male and female specimens of the shining leaf scarab beetle Callirhinus metallescens is described and illustrated. The specimens were collected near Ixtapan del Oro, State of Mexico and Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. Nine colour patterns, for combinations of green, yellow, black and red on pronotum and elytra, have been observed in the sample, including the "typical" green-yellow-black form. Brief redescriptions of the adults and drawings of the male genital capsule and female genital plates are included. An unusual form of leaf feeding habit was observed for the first time in the adults of the species, which make "fiber rolls" with the nervature tissues of sugar-cane leaves. A photo of the damage is also included.
