Eur. J. Entomoi. 97: 118, 2000 ISSN 1210-5759 BOOK REVIEW

Cox M.L. (ed.): ADVANCES IN CHRYSOMELIDAE BIOL­ defensive attributes against natural enemies, such as larval OGY 1. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, 1999, 672 pp., 332shield figs, and mimicry, are also discussed. Larval shields are con­ 73 tables. ISBN 90-5782-028-5. Price USD 160.00. sidered as important physical and chemical defending barriers, which enabled larvae to colonize leaf surfaces. This book is the sixth in the series dealing with biologyLeaf ofbeetles represent conspicuous elements of the fauna of Chrysomelidae (started in 1988 byBiology “ o f Chrysomeli- tropical rain forests. Increasing fascination of entomologists by dae”). The arrangement is similar to previous books inrainforest the canopies is also well documented in this book. Four series. The publication contains 35 original contributionsarticles by 57 deal with the community ecology of Chrysomelidae authors, grouped under 8 broad topics: Paleontology; fromPhylogeny Central Africa, South America and Papua-New Guinea. and relationships; Biogeography; Ecological studies naturalThe contributionene­ by Beenen about conservation and rehabilita­ mies, defences, biological control; Community ecology, tionpopula­ of chrysomelid in a cultivated environment is one of tion ecology, conservation; Host-plant associations; the Repro­ first papers dealing with this important topic. duction; General biological, ecological and biosystematic The stud­ sixth part is devoted to the interactions between Chry­ ies. This volume brings together a wide range of the mostsomelidae recent and their host-plants. PhylogenyChrysolina- of the studies on the biology of Chrysomelidae. Oreina complex based on 12S and 16S mtDNA and COl The first part includes two chapters dealing with fossil Chry­sequences is compared with host-plant specialization and chemi­ somelidae. The list of chrysomelid beetles known from ambercal defense. The original host-plantsOreina of clade would deposits is presented and preliminary analyses of chrysomelidhave been Asteraceae (Senecioneae). All molecular trees show a paleodiversity are discussed. The second part starts withtotally two surprising result: fastuosa is included in the molecular phylogenetic analyses. Oreina clade. However, the precise positionCh. of fastuosa Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S mtDNA,needs with additional investigation. The next contribution compiles special reference to the subfamily , supportinformation on larval biology and host-plant breadth of two gal- monophylyTimarcha, of Chrysolina + Oreina, andEntomosce- erucine generaAcalymma and Diabrotica. An article about lis + Gonioctena. It is in agreement with recent taxonomic stud­Costa Rican leaf-mining Hispinae with special emphasis on ies. A preliminary phylogeny of Hispinae sensu lato wastheir con­ host-plants and description of the mines terminates this structed using 12S mtDNA. The cladogram isolates hispinepart of book. The section “Reproduction” partially fills the im­ tribes in the basal part and cassidine tribes in the derived partportant of gap in our knowledge of sexual behaviour of the leaf the tree. In the next chapter the first instar larvae of the Megas-beetles. It consists of an extensive literature review of this prob­ celinae and Aulacoscelinae are described for the first time. Ac­lem and details results of observations of mating behaviour in cording to larval morphology, the Aulacoscelinae are relatedDonaciinae. to the Orsodacninae, while the Megascelinae share many charac­The last part of the book is devoted to systematic and biologi­ ters with the Eumolpinae. Henceforth, larvae of all chrysomelidcal studies. Two taxonomical contributions deal with revising subfamilies are described. The remaining three articles are de­the North and Central American genusLabidomera and South voted to phylogenetic studies based on morphologicalAfrican flea-beetles of the genusLongitarsus associated with characters. Phylogenetic importance of internal structuresthe ofBoraginaceae. Detailed biological data including life-cycles, male genitalia for classification of the Eumolpinae is discussed.descriptions of immature stages and bionomics of both adult and Both structural and chemical characteristics of egg chorionlarval pro­ stages are given forCryptoceplialus anceps and C. vide new insights into the of North Europeanmoraei Gale-, some members of the tribe Paropsini, several species rucini. Preliminary cladistic analysis of alticine subtribe Disony-belonging to the generaDiabrotica andProcalus, flea-beetleAl- china terminates this part of book. tica corni, leaf-mining hispineOcturoplata octopustulata and Part 3 (Biogeography) consists of two chapters discussingtwo tortoise beetlesConchyloctenia punctata andStolas lacor- ecological and biogeographical aspects of the Andalusiandairei. leaf endemisms and biogeography of desert leaf beetlesThe of book contains an author index, subject index and taxo­ Central Asia, respectively. Ecological studies are the subjectnomic of index of and plants at the end which increases its the next part. Organisms used as biological control readability. agents The volume is technically perfect, with a very high against Colorado potato beetleLeptinotarsa decemlineata are quality of both original and redrawn reproductions and graphical reviewed. The next chapter mentions possible use of rickettsialarrangement. The book is very stimulative reading, interesting bacteria of the genusWolbachia for the biological control not of only for specialists in Chrysomelidae, but may be inspira­ Western crop rootwormDiabrotica virgifera. Chrysomelidae tional for entomologists in general. are heavily attacked by parasitoids and predators. Importance of J. Bezděk & A. Bezděk chemical cues for successful host search is reviewed. Possible

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