Calligrapha (Zygogramma) pallida (Bland)

Clark, Shawn M., Douglas, Hume B. & Cavan, Daniel J., 2024, Notes on Calligrapha Chevrolat (Subgenus Zygogramma Chevrolat) and Tritaenia Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae), The Coleopterists Bulletin 78 (2), pp. 281-295 : 285

Calligrapha (Zygogramma) pallida (Bland) , restored rank, new combination

( Fig. 1C )

Chrysomela pallida Bland 1864: 71 .

Although originally proposed as a valid species, this taxon has subsequently been treated as either a variety or subspecies of “ Zygogramma conjuncta ”. We here restore its status as a valid species (see discussion below). Another name, Chrysomela stolata Suffrian, 1858 , has been regarded as a questionable synonym of Z. c. pallida (e.g., Wilcox 1975, 1983). However, Anaya Rosales et al. (1987) treated C. stolata as a valid species. Even so, since these authors provided minimal justification for this taxonomic change, we continue to regard C. stolata as a name of questionable identity. We encourage future research, beyond the scope of our study, that investigates the status of C. stolata and C. pallida , as well as Calligrapha bicolorata (Pallister, 1953) . Perhaps all three are synonymous. If so, C. stolata is the oldest name, and it should be used. “ Zygogramma conjuncta pallida ” has been reported from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, and “Dakota” (Riley et al. 2003). Additionally, Tanner (1928) reported “ Zygogramma conjuncta var. pallida ” from Utah, and we have examined specimens (BYUC, CNCI, EMUS) confirming the occurrence of C. pallida in the state. Beyond this, we have examined specimens from Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, as well as from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas (BYUC, CSUC, DJCC). Hosts are various species of Asteraceae ; see the more detailed explanation that follows this list.

Figures

Fig. 1. Dorsal habitus of Calligrapha (Zygogramma) and Tritaenia species. A) C. (Z.) arizonica, B) C. (Z.) conjuncta, C) C. (Z.) pallida, D) C. (Z.) continua, E) C. (Z.) disrupta, F) C. (Z.) estriata, G) C. (Z.) exclamationis, H) C. (Z.) heterothecae, I) C. (Z.) malvae, J) C. (Z.) opifera, K) C. (Z.) piceicollis, L) C. (Z.) signatipennis, M) C. (Z.) suturalis, N) C. (Z.) suturalis, O) C. (Z.) tortuosa, P) T.(Ithygramma) cognata, Q) T.(Tritaenia) quinquevirgata. Scale bars = 2 mm.