Mecistomela marginata (Thunberg, 1821)

 

Synonyms: Alurnus marginata, Hispa marginata; Fake Coconut Cockroach

 

 

Mecistomela marginata is confined to the Atlantic region of southeastern Brazil (Bahia to Santa Catarina) and northernmost Argentina. It is found on the leaves of palms (Arecaceae) in the lowland tropical forests and coastal restingas. M. marginata is one of the larger chrysomelids, measuring 28-34 mm. Adults are dark olive-grey, with yellow edges of the pronotum and the elytra, and yellow femurs. This is a conspicuous diurnal species. Adult longevity may exceed 10 months, and mating occurs throughout the year. Adults and larvae feed on leaves of various native and introduced Arecaceae, including Allagoptera, Arecastrum, Cocos, Copernicia, Elaeis, Livistona, Phoenix, and Syagrus spp.

 

		D40113 Mecistomela marginata Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D40114 Mecistomela marginata Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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