Hispines of the World
Hispine morphology
Members of the subfamily Cassidinae (sensu lato) are easily distinguished from other chrysomelids (Chrysomelidae, Coleoptera) with the head having the front or vertex projecting strongly forward (opisthognathous), mouthparts in an oral cavity which is not visible from above (see photo “lateral view of head”), and a tarsal formula of 4-4-4.
Hispines and cassidines (the two groups within Cassidinae; see About this tool for more information) are more easily distinguished as adults. As larvae they have less differentiated characters which is the main reason for the combination of the two former subfamilies into one. The adult hispine head is directed downward, prominent, and visible from above, at least to behind the eyes. The frons is prominent, exposed, or rarely retracted. The antennae are not retractable and are inserted in antennal pits in front of the eyes. The pronotum is usually narrower than the elytra; it is more or less quadrangular or trapezoidal, often with distinct anterior angles which may have a small tubercle. The scutellum is always visible. The elytra usually lack wide lateral expansions or have reduced and discontinuous expansions. The margins are smooth, denticulate, serrate, or with spines. Larvae are either leaf-miners or live in confined spaces between plant parts such as leaf rolls or leaf sheaths. They have eight pairs of abdominal spiracles which are well developed and dorsally placed; the eighth abdominal segment is terminal with a free hind margin.
For better use of the key, the following terms are described as they are used throughout the key. Also see the images at the left for further illustration.
antenna: 3 to 11 segments, inserted in antennal pit in front of eyes
coxa: located in coxal cavity, spherical
e
elytron: strongly sclerotized mesothoracic wings, remaining open during flight. When closed, they cover to the last abdominal segment. Most genera are sculptured with large punctures usually in regular rows; with various combinations of costae, carinae, spines, or tubercles; however some genera are smooth. Lateral and apical margins are dentate, serrate or smooth. Humerus is usually rounded but may be produced and bear spines or expansions.
eye: elongate, slightly prominent, multifaceted; usually slightly kidney-shaped
f
femur: largest part of the leg; more or less cylindrical, attached at base to trochanter and at apex to tibia
frons: upper anterior portion of head capsule above the clypeus
m
mesosternum: narrow between middle coxae, separated from metasternum by a transverse suture; forming the anterior part of the middle coxal cavities
p
pronotum: occupies all of dorsal part of the prothorax; in anterior angles or posterior angles there may be a small tubercle or pore with a seta
prosternum: contains two anterior coxal cavities
s
scutellum: sclerotized portion of the mesonotum, visible between elytral bases; usually more or less triangular, pentagonal, or quadrate
t
tarsus: each with five tarsomeres, penultimate degenerated. Last tarsomere with claws. Basal tarsomere small, triangular; second bilobed, larger than first; third larger than second, with two pronounced lobes; last tarsomere more or less conical, with one or two curved claws at distal end; segments 1 to 3 flattened, with dense pubescence on lower surface.
tibia: variable in length; joins femur and tarsus
trochanter: small, joined to base of femur