Revision of leaf-beetles of the genus Cadmus Erichson, subgenus Lachnabothra Saunders (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae)

Abstract

The genus Cadmus Erichson, subgenus Lachnabothra Saunders, is redefined and revised. It includes at least 24 species, of which 7 are redescribed and 13 described as new: bicornutus, burru, clibanarius, gullanae, karina, lawrencei, magnus, malleecola, mokarei, murrungga, storeyi, tasmaniae, walgalu. Four additional species, represented by females or damaged males, are noted but not described. The following new synonymy is recognised (senior synonym first): braccatus (Klug) = saundersi Baly; breweri Baly = duboulai Baly. Cryptocephalus incoctus Lea and Chlamydicadmus adspersatus Chapuis are transferred to Cadmus (Lachnabothra). The latter species name is a nomen dubium. Lectotypes are designated for Lachnabothra distincta Baly, Cryptocephalus incoctus Lea, Lachnabothra waterhousei Baly and Lachnabothra wilsoni Baly. The new definition excludes all Cadmus (Lachnabothra) species previously described from New Guinea. The larvae are described and for 10 species briefly diagnosed, the pupae are described, life-history observations are noted and the phylogeny and biogeography of the species are discussed. The species of Cadmus (Lachnabothra) are found throughout southern and eastern Australia, where they feed on eucalypts.