ANN ALES  ZOOLOGICI   (Warszawa), 2008, 58(3): 641 -665 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTEBIZA FLAVICORNIS 
(OLIVIER) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN 
(COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE: CASSIDINAE) 
JOLANTA SWILTOJANSKA1 and DONALD M. WINDSOR2 
^Zoological Institute, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 
Wroclaw, Poland; e-mail: sindiola@biol.uni.wroc.pl (author for correspondence) 
^-Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama, 
Republica de Panama; e-mail: windsord@si.edu 
Abstract.? The first instar larva oiPhysonota alutacea Boheman, 1854, a member of the 
tribe Physonotini Spaeth, 1942, and the mature larva and pupa of Asteriza flavicornis 
(Olivier, 1790), a member of the tribe Asterizini Hincks, 1952, are described for the first 
time. The mature larva and the pupa oiPhysonota alutacea are redescribed. Immatures 
are figured and described using light microscopy, the first instar larva of Physonota 
alutacea using scanning electron microscopy. Similarities in the larval morphologies of 
Cistudinella Champion, 1894, a member of the tribe Ischyrosonychini, Chapuis, 1875, and 
Physonota suggest both genera are close phylogenetically and should be placed in a single 
tribe. The additional similarities between the mature larva of Asteriza and those of 
Physonota and Cistudinella suggest all three genera should be placed within a single 
tribe. 
Key words.? Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae, Physonotini, Asterizini, Physonota 
alutacea, Asteriza flavicornis, morphology of immatures, Neotropics. 
INTRODUCTION 
Spaeth in Hincks (1952) placed the genera Physo- 
nota and Asteriza in two different tribes - Physonotini 
Spaeth, 1942 and Asterizini Hincks, 1952; and he 
placed the genera Cistudinella Champion, 1894 and 
Eurypedus Gistel, 1834 in the tribe Ischyrosonychini 
Chapuis, 1875. Borowiec (1995) suggested in his tribal 
classification of tortoise beetles uniting these into 
a single tribe, Ischrosonychini, because synapomor- 
phies based on adult characters are lacking in each of 
the existing tribes. Later, in his catalogue of world 
genera of Cassidinae Borowiec (1999) again placed all 
the genera in a single tribe but preferred the name 
Physonotini over Ischyrosonychini because the latter 
was based on a junior synonym (Ischyrosonyx 
Sturm, 1843 is a synonym of Eurypedus Gistel, 1834). 
Swietojahska and Medeiros (2007) redescribed first 
and last instar larvae of Cistudinella obducta (Bohe- 
man, 1854) and compared them with descriptions of 
mature larvae of several Physonota species. They sug- 
gested the mature larva of Cistudinella is not close to 
Physonota larvae and proposed to restore the tribe 
Ischrosonychini but with some reservations because 
first instar larvae of Physonota were hitherto un- 
known. 
Until now the following immatures of the Physonoti- 
ni sensu lato are described: Physonota alutacea 
Boheman, 1854, Ph. arizonae Schaeffer, 1925, Ph. hel- 
ianthi Boheman, 1854, and Ph. unipunctata (Say, 
1824) by Sanderson (1948), Eurypepla calochroma 
(Blake, 1965) by Woodruff (1976) and Cistudinella 
obducta (Boheman, 1854) by Fiebrig (1910) and Swie- 
tojahska and Medeiros (2007). While the descriptions 
PL ISSN 0003-4541 ? Fundacja Natura optima dux 
doi: 10.3161/000345408X364472 
642 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
of mature larvae by Fiebrig, Sanderson and Woodruff 
are incomplete, some features suggest that Physonota 
and Eurypepla are distinct from Cistudinella. The 
most distinctive characters are the number and struc- 
ture of lateral scoli. Eleven or 14 pairs of lateral scoli 
are found in Physonota, 14 in Eurypepla, whereas 16 
are found in Cistudinella. Lateral scoli are short and 
conical in Physonota and Eurypepla species, while in 
Cistudinella they are long and covered with numer- 
ous lateral branches and setae. A recent redescription 
of the mature larva of Cistudinella obducta by Swie- 
tojanska and Medeiros, (2007) also confirms this differ- 
ence. Mature larvae were described for all species 
mentioned above but only the first instar was described 
for Cistudinella obducta (Fiebrig 1910, Swietojanska 
and Medeiros 2007). The mature larvae of Cassidinae 
often present characters of adaptative value (autapo- 
morphies) while useful synapomorphies found in earli- 
er instars tend to disappear. This shift in larval charac- 
ters is especially noticeable with chaetotaxy, which 
changes strongly from first to last instar (Borowiec and 
Swietojanska 2003). Thus, first instar larval characters 
are often more useful in tribal level determinations in 
Cassidinae. 
Below we redescribe in detail the mature larva and 
pupa of Physonota alutacea and we describe its first 
instar larva. We also describe the mature larva and 
pupa oiAsteriza flavicornis. Moreover, we compare 
the first instar larva of Physonota alutacea with the 
first instar larva of Cistudinella obducta and the last 
instars of all three taxa and discuss their taxonomic 
position. Comparative characters of all known mature 
larvae and pupae of Physonotini sensu lato are also 
given. 
MATERIAL AND METHODS 
Examined immatures oiAsteriza flavicornis were 
collected in Haiti: Dept. L'Queste Pace National de la 
Visite (vicinity of park headquarters, 1800 m) in 
23.05.1984 by M. C. Thomas on food plant Cordia sp. 
(Boraginaceae). 
Immatures of Physonota alutacea were collected 
in Panama: Pma Pr. E. Canal Area Pipeline Rd in 
16.05.1993 by D. M. Windsor. 
Larvae initially killed and preserved in 75 to 80% 
ethanol were removed and boiled in 10% NaOH solu- 
tion, cleared in distilled water and then mounted on 
slides with Swan's liquid (distilled water 20 g, gum 
arable 15 g, chlorhydrate 60 g, glucose 3 g, glacial 
acetic acid 2 g) and glycerine for light microcopy. 
Heads of the larvae were separated from the rest of the 
body and then mouthparts were dissected. 
Slides and measurements of larvae and pupae 
were made using a Nikon SMZ 1500 stereomicroscope. 
A Nikon ECLIPSE 801 microscope with phase contrast 
was used for specimen examination and drawing fig- 
ures. 
The photos of mature larvae and pupae were made 
using a Nikon COOLPIX MDC Lens camera and Nikon 
SMZ 1500 stereomicroscope. 
Larvae for SEM examination were transferred from 
75% to 100% ethanol and dried using HMDS (Hexam- 
ethyldisilazane). After fixing on stubs with carbon tabs 
they were sputter-coated with gold and examined with 
a LEO 435 VP scanning microscope at magnifications 
up to 20 000 x. 
All studied materials were deposited at Department 
of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Taxonomy, Zoological 
Institute, University of Wroclaw, Poland. Voucher spec- 
imens oiAsteriza and Physonota are deposited in the 
insect collection of the Smithsonian Tropical Research 
Institute in Panama. 
DESCRIPTIONS 
Physonota alutacea Boheman, 1854 
First instar larva. Measurements (n=6; [mm]). 
Length (without head) from anterior border of prono- 
tum to base of supra-anal processes: 1.75, 2.00, 2.00, 
1.75,1.70,1.80; width across mesonotum, without later- 
al scoli (respectively): 0.75, 1.00, 0.95, 0.90, 0.90, 0.95. 
Body flattened dorso-ventrally, oval, moderately 
narrowed posteriorly, widest across meso- and meta- 
thorax (Figs 1, 2). Larvae preserved in alcohol are yel- 
lowish-brown with brown pronotum, head, legs, lateral 
scoli and supra-anal processes. Meso-, metanotum and 
abdominal tergites with small brown patches, each at 
base of seta. Posteriorly patches merge into one brown 
elongated patch thus abdominal tergites VI-VIII are 
with two elongated patches. Sternites of thorax and 
abdominal sternites I-V yellowish-brown. Abdominal 
sternites VI and VII yellowish-brown with brown patch 
in the middle. Abdominal sternite VIII brown. 
Nine pairs of spiracles (one on thorax and 8 on 
abdomen), each distinctly elevated (Figs 25, 26). Spira- 
cles of thorax visible from ventral view. 
Body with 14 pairs of lateral scoli and a single pair 
of long and stout supra-anal processes (Figs 1,21). All 
lateral scoli visible from dorsal as well as ventral view. 
Scoli of first pair the shortest (Figs 1,2). Scoli 5th and 
7th pairs the longest. Remainder scoli more or less of 
the same length. All lateral scoli without lateral 
branches, but covered with long setae. Lateral scoli 
armed apically with one long seta. Setae of lateral scoli 
(including long setae placed apically) at the top with 
small spines. Supra-anal processes stout, bent dorsal- 
ly, covered with numerous setae. Apex of supra-anal 
processes acute without apical setae (Figs 1, 21, 27). 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FIMICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 643 
Figure 1. Physonota alutacea, dorsal side of first instar larva. 
644 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
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Figure 2. Physonota alutacea, chaetotaxy of dorsal side of first instar larva. 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 645 
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Figure 3. Physonota alutacea, chaetotaxy of ventral side of first instar larva. 
646 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
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Figures 4-9. Physonota alutacea, setae of first instar larva. (4) Setae of head; (5) seta of I abdominal tergite; (6) setae of metasternum placed 
medially; (7) seta of II abdominal sternite; (8) seta of the top of lateral scoli; (9) setae which covered lateral scoli. 
Setae of supra-anal processes look like setae on later- 
al scoli and on tergites. 
Tergites and sternites with long setae, and at ante- 
rior border of each segment with minute setae (Figs 
1-3, 21, 22). Setae of tergites more or less in similar 
length slightly shorter than setae of sternites (Figs 
5-7). Setae of tergites at the top with small spines (Figs 
5, 28). Setae of sternites slightly shorter or distinctly 
longer than setae of tergites. Most setae of sternites 
pointed at the tops only some setae with small spines 
at the tops (Figs 6, 7). The longest setae of body are on 
abdominal sternites and at the top of lateral scoli (Figs 
1-9, 21, 22). 
Pronotum on each side with long setae distributed 
along border and in the middle of each tergite (Fig. 2). 
Meso- and metanotum with three (seldom two or four) 
long setae on each antero-lateral side and with two 
rows of long setae: one placed anteriorly with around 
14 setae and second placed posteriorly with about 25 
setae. Four small setae and a few campaniform sensil- 
la at base of each lateral scolus of 4th and 6th pair. 
Meso-, metanotum and each abdominal tergite medial- 
ly close to anterior border with a pair of very minute 
setae. Each abdominal tergite with two rows of long 
setae. Rows of individual segments with the same num- 
ber of setae. Number of setae in rows decrease posteri- 
orly from 11 on abdominal tergite I to 6 on tergite VIII. 
Two minute setae, two campaniform sensilla and two 
(seldom one) long setae laterally on each abdominal 
tergite close to spiracle. 
A few minute setae close to anterior border of all 
sternites, few small setae also at base (on episternum) 
of legs and one small seta on each epimeron (Fig. 3). 
Close to each thoracic spiracle 6-9 setae. Prosternum 
in the middle with numerous shorter setae. Meso- and 
metasternum in the middle with numerous shorter 
setae and one pair of long pointed setae. Abdominal 
sternites covered with numerous setae of different 
length but very long setae predominate. 
Six stemmata on each side of head: five of the same 
size and one slightly smaller (Figs 10, 30). 
Frontal side of head with five (sometimes four or 
six) small vertical setae, around 26-30 long and a few 
shorter setae, and few campaniform sensilla (Figs 10, 
29). Setae placed temporally slightly shorter than setae 
on frontal side (Figs 11, 30). Tops of most setae with 
small spines (Figs 4, 31). 
Antennae 2-segmented, set in membranous ring 
(Figs 19, 32). First segment transverse, wider than sec- 
ond one, with two campaniform sensilla. Second seg- 
ment stout more or less as wide as long, at the apex with 
a group of six peg-like sensilla: one prominent (sensory 
appendix) and five small. At base of second segment one 
peg like sensillum (or campaniform senshlum). 
Labrum wider than long, anterior margin emar- 
ginate. Dorsal side of labrum with four long setae 
and three pairs of campaniform sensilla placed 
centrally and two setae at anterior margin (Figs 12, 33, 
34). Mid part of ventral surface (epipharyngeal area) 
with a pair of small setae, six campaniform sensilla, 
and four groups of four small sensilla (Fig. 13). Central 
and lateral parts of ventral side of labrum armed with 
numerous small spines. Anterior margin with 8 small 
setae placed medially and three stout longer setae on 
each side (Fig. 14). Eight small setae placed medially 
not visible from dorsal view remainder setae visible. 
Mandibulae heavily sclerotized, palmate, with four 
distinct, triangular, apical teeth and small tubercle or 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 647 
hardly developed teeth in one row, and fifth smaller 
distinctly retracted tooth (Figs 15, 16). Dorsal side of 
mandibles at base with two setae and two campaniform 
sensilla. 
Maxillae and labium connate (Figs 17, 35). Each 
stipes (st) with one long pointed seta and three (seldom 
four) shorter pointed setae. Mala (mal) not distinctly 
bordered from palpiger (pp). Broad, truncate at the 
apex mala bear: eight long pointed setae, one blunt 
seta, one peg like sensiUum (very short blunt seta?) 
and one campaniform sensiUum. Dorsally palpiger with 
short protuberance (lacinia? - lac) covered with spines 
Figures 10-19. Physonota alutacea, first instar larva. (10) Frontal side of head; (11) temporal side of head; (12) dorsal side of labrum; (13) ventral 
side of labrum; (14) anterior margin of labrum; (15, 16) mandibles; (17) maxillae and labium ventrally: st - stipes, pp - palpiger, mal - mala, mpl - 
first segment of maxillary palp, mpll - second segment of maxillary palp, lp - labial palp, lig - ligula, pre - prementum, post - postmentum; 
(18) dorsum of palpiger and maxillary palpi: pp - palpiger, mal - mala, lac - lacinia, mpll - second segment of maxillary palp; (19) antenna. 
648 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
(Figs 18, 36). Ventrally palpiger with four long setae. 
Maxillary palp two-segmented: first segment (mpl) 
with three setae (two long and one short) and one 
campaniform sensillum, second segment (mpll) with 
a group of sensilla at apex, and with one campaniform 
sensillum and one seta below the apex. Labial palp (lp) 
one-segmented with a group of sensilla at the apex and 
one campaniform sensillum and one short seta below 
the apex. Hypopharynx (hyp) covered with numerous 
spines, and with four campaniform sensilla and two 
short setae at base. Prementum (pre) with two long 
and two short setae, and four campaniform sensilla. 
Postmentum (post) with two long and 6 (sometimes 7) 
shorter setae. 
Legs elongate, three segmented consist of: coxa, 
femur and tibiotarsus (Fig 20). Tibiotarsus apically with 
heavily sclerotized, short and curved, single and simple 
claw armed basally with a pointed seta. Claw surround- 
ed by a complex of numerous long setae (Figs 23, 24). 
The longest setae slightly curved apically. Tibiotarsus 
above claw and femur with numerous setae. At base of 
femur: internally a group of five campaniform sensilla 
and one short pointed seta, ventrally one campaniform 
sensillum and externally two campaniform sensilla. 
Coxa with two long and around 16 shorter setae. 
Last instar larva. Measurements (n=3 [mm]). 
Length without head, from anterior border of pronotum 
to base of supra-anal processes: 10.50, 12.00, 12.00; 
width across metanotum, without lateral scoli (respec- 
tively): 5.70, 5.60, 5.80. 
Body the widest across meso- and metathorax, 
abdominal segments strongly narrowed posteriorly 
episternum 
coxa 
tibiotarsus 
Figures 20. Physonota alutacea, leg of first instar larva. 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 649 
(Figs 37-39). Meso- and metathorax distinctly convex, 
abdomen slightly flattened dorso-ventrally. Dorsal side 
of larval body yellow with black borders of each tergite 
including anterior border of pronotum, two black 
elongated spots in the middle of pronotum, black 
transverse band across meso-, metanotum and each 
abdominal tergite. Ventral side of body yellow with two 
black spots in the middle of meso- and metasternum, 
black spots at base of lateral scoli of meso-and 
metasternum, black lateral side of abdominal sternite 
I?III and VII, and almost completely black abdominal 
sernites IV-VI. Lateral scoli yellow, supra-anal 
processes black. Head yellow with black spot on each 
lateral side and two dark brown triangular spots on 
Figures 21-24. Physonota alutacea, first instar larva. (21) Dorsal aspect; (22) ventral aspect; (23, 24) tops of legs. 
650 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
frontal side, clypeus yellow with dark brown to black 
patch along fronto-clypeal suture, labrum and 
mandibles dark brown to black (Fig. 43). Legs yellow 
with black patch along base of each coxa and femur, 
and black streak along dorsal side of femur and tibio- 
tarsus (Fig. 45). 
Body with 14 pairs of lateral scoli and a pair of 
supra-anal processes (Figs 37-39). Prothorax with 
three pairs of lateral scoli, meso- and metathorax 
with two pairs, abdominal segments I-VII with one 
pair, abdominal segment VIII without lateral 
scoli. First two lateral scoli placed very close to 
Figures 25-30. Physonota alutacea, first instar larva. (25, 26) Spiracles; (27) top of supra-anal process; (28) seta of dorsal side of body; (29) head 
frontally; (30) head lateral aspect. 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 651 
each other (Fig. 49). Lateral scoli short conical, 
each slightly bended posteriorly. All scoli without 
lateral branches but covered with short setae. Apex 
of scoli armed with pointed seta. Supra-anal process- 
es long strongly sclerotised covered with short setae 
(Fig. 50). 
Nine pairs of spiracles (one pair on thorax and eight 
on abdomen). Spiracles of thorax visible from ventr- 
al side. Diameter of spiracles slightly decreasing 
posterad. 
Whole body including head, legs, lateral scoli and 
supra-anal processes covered with numerous setae 
Figures 31-36. Physonota alutacea, first instar larva. (31) seta of head; (32) antenna; (33) labrum; (34) anterior border of labrum; (35) maxillae 
and labium: man - mandibula, pp - palpiger, lac - lacinia, mal - mala, mpl - first segment of maxillary palp, mpll - second segment of maxillary 
palp, lp - labial palp ; (36) lacinia: man - mandibula, lac - lacinia, mal - mala, mpl - first segment of maxillary palp. 
652 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
(Figs 51-56, 65, 66, 83). Pro-, meso-, metanotum and 
abdominal tergites with numerous, distributed regular- 
ly on whole surface short setae (Fig. 51). Short dorsal 
setae placed on small tubercles. Setae of ventral side 
also placed on protuberances like setae of dorsum 
(Figs 52-56). Pro-, meso-, metasternum and abdominal 
sternite with numerous setae of different length. Ven- 
tral setae usually longer than dorsal setae but their 
length are more diverse. In the middle of sternite pre- 
dominate long setae. Setae on lateral sides of sternites 
are shorter than in the middle but longer than on ter- 
gites. The longest setae are placed in the middle of 
sternites especially on segments I?III. Setae in the 
middle of abdominal sternites the most numerous but 
number of setae on sternite decrease posterad (Figs 
54,56). 
Figures 37-39. Physonota alutacea, mature larva. (37) Dorsal aspect; (38) ventral aspect; (39) laterally. 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 653 
Head well sclerotized, hypognathous, retracted into 
pronotum. Median suture complete, connected with 
fronto-clypeal suture (Figs 43, 65, 66). Clypeus distinct, 
wider than long, with a pair of long setae and a few 
short setae along fronto-clypeal suture. 
Six stemmata on each side of head (Fig. 65). 
Head with extremely numerous setae distributed on 
whole surface. Setae of different size: on vertex short- 
er than setae placed close to stemmata, along fronto- 
clypeal suture and on temporal side (Figs 65, 66). 
Antennae ^-segmented, set in membranous ring. 
First segment transverse, wider than second one, with 
two campaniform sensilla. Second segment stout more 
or less as wide as long, with one peg-like sensillum (or 
campaniform sensillum) at base, and a group of six 
peg-like sensilla at the apex: one prominent (sensory 
appendix) and five smaller. 
Labrum wider than long, anterior margin emar- 
ginate (Figs 67, 68). Dorsal side of labrum with four 
long setae and numerous short setae (short setae 
easily break during dissection of mouth part thus it is 
impossible to distinguish between socket of broken 
seta and campaniform sensillum). Two short setae at 
anterior margin dorsally. Mid part of ventral surface 
(epipharyngeal area) on each side with small seta, three 
campaniform sensilla, and two groups of four small sen- 
silla. Central and lateral parts of ventral side of labrum 
armed with numerous small spines. Anterior margin 
with 8 small setae placed medially and three stout and 
slightly longer setae on each lateral side. 
Mandibulae heavily sclerotized, palmate, with five 
distinct, triangular, apical teeth in one row and sixth 
teeth heavily marked and distinctly retracted (Figs 
69-72). Dorsal side of mandibles at base with two 
longer setae, a few (6-8) small setae and two campani- 
form sensilla (Figs 70, 72). 
Maxillae and labium connate (Fig. 73). Each stipes 
(st) with 5-6 long pointed setae and few (13-16) short 
setae. Mala (mal) not distinctly bordered from palpiger 
(pp). Broad, truncate at the apex mala bear: eight 
Sf^f     42 
Figures 40-42. Asteriza flavicornis, mature larva. (40) Dorsal aspect; (41) ventral aspect; (42) laterally. 
654 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
long pointed setae, one blunt seta, one peg like sen- 
silium (very short blunt seta?) and one campaniform 
sensillum. Dorsally palpiger with short protuberance 
(lacinia? - lac) covered with spines (Fig. 74). Ventrally 
palpiger with 4-6 long setae, few (8-11) short setae and 
one or two campaniform sensilla. Maxillary palp two- 
segmented: first segment (mpl) with 6-9 setae and one 
campaniform sensillum, second segment (mpll) with 
a group of sensilla at apex, and below the apex with 
campaniform sensillum and one seta. Labial palp (lp) 
one-segmented with a group of sensilla at the apex and 
one campaniform sensillum and 5-8 setae below the 
apex. Hypopharynx (hyp) covered with numerous 
spines with 2-4 setae and 4-6 campaniform sensilla at 
base. Prementum (pre) with 2 long, 2-6 short setae and 
4 campaniform sensilla. Postmentum (post) with 
around 13 long setae and few very short setae. 
Legs three segmented consist of: coxa, femur and 
tibiotarsus (Figs 45, 83). All segments covered with 
numerous setae. Tibiotarsus apically with heavily 
sclerotized, curved, single and simple claw which is 
surrounded by blunt and clubate setae. Extremely 
numerous blunt and clubate setae are below claw. 
Femur with slightly longer than of tibiotarsus setae 
and two extremely long setae. 
Larvae carry no shields on their supra-anal 
processes. 
Pupa. Measurements (n=l). Length: 10.50 mm; 
width across first abdominal segment, without lateral 
scoli: 7.10 mm. 
Body short-oval, almost rounded, tergites distinctly 
convex (Figs 85, 86). 
Pronotum dorsally yellow with four dark brown to 
black spots in the middle and one elongated on each 
lateral side. Mesonotum black to dark brown on lateral 
sides, with yellow anterior and posterior border. 
Metanotum yellow with three black spots in the middle 
and one dark brown on each lateral side. Abdominal 
43 44 
45 46 
Figures 43-46. Mature larvae: 43, 45. Physonota alutacea; 44, 46. Asteriza flavicorni. (43, 44) Heads; (45, 46) legs. 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 655 
tergites I?III yellow with black spot on each lateral 
side. Spots on segment III strongly elaborated covering 
most of the segment. Abdominal tergites IV and V yel- 
low with three black spots: one in the middle and on 
one each lateral side. Abdominal tergites VI and VII 
yellow with black strip across segments. Spiracles of 
abdominal tergites I-V light brown. Lateral scoli of 
abdominal segment I dark brown with yellow strip. Lat- 
eral scoli of segments II?VII yellow. Tops of lateral scoli 
of segments II and III dark brown. Prosternum yellow 
with two dark brown spots on each lateral side and two 
spots at anterior border. Elytral portion with yellow 
and dark brown stripes. Abdomen ventrally yellow 
except to sternites TV-VI. Head yellow, antennae and 
mouth part dark brown. Legs yellow with dark brown 
stripe along their length. 
Pro-, meso-and metanotum without lateral scoli. 
Abdominal segments I-V with conical lateral scoli 
which are gradually shortened towards posterior part 
of body. Lateral scoli without lateral branches and 
setae. Abdominal segments VI and VII with a short 
spine-like process on each side (Fig. 89). Segments VIII 
and IX without lateral processes. 
Setae on body not observed. 
Abdomen with 7 pairs of spiracles; diameter of spir- 
acles of each pair decrease posteriorly. 
Larval skins of last instar is retained by the pupa. 
AsteHza flavicornis (Olivier, 1790) 
Last instar larva. Measurements (n=2, [mm]). 
Length without head, from anterior border of pronotum 
to base of supra-anal processes:  8.00, 8.30; width 
Figures 47-50 Mature larvae: 47, 48. AsteHza flavicornis; 49, 50. Physonota alutacea. (47, 49) First two lateral scoli; (48, 50) tops of supra-anal 
processes. 
656 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
across metanotum, without lateral scoli (respectively): 
4.80, 6.00. 
Body short-oval, almost rounded, the widest across 
metathorax, flattened dorso-ventrally but thorax dis- 
tinctly convex (Figs 40-42). Dorsal side of larval body 
yellow with numerous dark brown spots as in figure 40. 
Sternites of thorax and abdominal segments I?III in the 
middle yellow and laterally dark brown, abdominal 
sternites IV-VIII dark brown with yellow spots in the 
middle. Lateral scoli yellow with brown tops. Supra- 
anal processes yellowish-brown, at base black. Head 
yellow with black spot on each lateral side and two 
dark brown spots on frontal side, clypeus yellow with 
dark brown to black patch along fronto-clypeal suture, 
labrum and mandibles dark brown to black (Fig. 44). 
Each coxa dark brown to black (Fig. 46). Femur yellow, 
with dark brown to black basal and distal edge and 
with two black spots: one on internal and one on exter- 
nal side. Tibiotarsus ventrally yellow, dorsally dark 
brown to black at base. 
Body with 15 pairs of lateral scoli and a pair of 
supra-anal processes (Figs 40, 41). Prothorax with 
-%      *r t3 
# 
pronotum 
0.1 mm 
51 
x 
/ . 
mesosternum 
52 53 
VIS 
abdominal sternite I 54 
abdominal stern ite VII abdominal stern ite VIII 56 
Figures 51-56. Physonota alutcwea, setae of body, mature larva. (51) pronotum laterally; (52) mesosternum in the middle; (53) prosternum 
laterally; (54) I abdominal sternite; (55) VII abdominal sternite; (56) VIII abdominal sternite. 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 657 
three pairs of lateral scoli, meso- and metathorax with 
two pairs, abdominal segments I?VIII with one pair. 
First two lateral scoli placed very close to each other 
(Fig. 47). Lateral scoli short. All scoli without lateral 
branches but covered with long setae. Apex of scoli 
armed with seta (in examined specimens setae at the 
tops of all lateral scoli were broken thus we do not 
know how long they are). Supra-anal processes short 
covered with setae. Apex of each supra-anal process 
armed with pointed seta (Fig. 48). 
Nine pairs of spiracles (one pair on thorax and eight 
on abdomen). Spiracles of thorax visible from ventral 
side. Diameter of spiracles slightly decreasing post- 
erad. 
Whole body including head, legs, lateral scoli and 
supra-anal processes covered with numerous setae 
(Figs 57, 59, 60, 62,63, 75, 76, 84). Most setae of tergites 
and head at the top covered with more or less numer- 
ous scales (Figs 58, 61, 64), setae on sternites and legs 
usually pointed at the top without scales. Setae of 
3y 
pronotum 
57 
59 
58 
61 64 
abdominal tergite I 
60 
^^ 
mesosternum it 62 abdominal sternite I 63 
Figures 57-64. Asteriza flavicornis, setae of body, mature larva. (57) pronotum laterally; (58) setae of thorax; (59) meso-and metanotum laterally; 
(60) metanotum and I abdominal segment medially; (61) setae of abdomen; (62) mesosternum medially; (63) I abdominal sternite medially; 
(64) setae of head. 
658 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
Figures 65-74. Physonota alutacea, mature larva. (65) Frontal side of head; (66) temporal side of head; (67) dorsal side of labrum; (68) ventral 
side of labrum; (69, 72) ventral side of mandibles; (70, 71) dorsal side of mandibles; (73) maxillae and labium ventrally: st - stipes, pp - palpiger, 
mal - mala, mpl - first segment of maxillary palp, mpll - second segment of maxillary palp, lp - labial palp, lig - ligula, pre - prementum, post - 
postmentum; (74) dorsum of palpiger and maxillary palpi: pp - palpiger, mal - mala, lac - lacinia, mpl - first segment of maxillary palp, mpll - 
second segment of maxillary palp. 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 659 
tergites placed on stout tubercles. Setae of ventral side 
with tubercles slightly less prominent than setae of 
dorsum. Tergites with numerous setae but their num- 
ber decreasing posterad. Setae on thoracic tergites dis- 
tributed regularly on whole surface. Setae on abdomi- 
nal tergites seem to form two irregular rows. Setae on 
sternites distributed regularly except setae in the mid- 
dle of abdominal sternite I?III which are the most 
numerous and the longest setae of body. 
Head well sclerotized, hypognathous, retracted into 
pronotum. Median suture complete, connected with 
fronto-clypeal suture (Figs 44, 75, 76). Clypeus distinct, 
wider than long, with a pair of long setae and a pair of 
campaniform sensilla. 
Six stemmata on each side of head. 
Head with numerous setae distributed on whole sur- 
Figures 75-82. Asteriza flavicornis, mature larva. (75) Frontal side of head; (76) temporal side of head; (77) dorsal side of labrum; (78) ventral 
side of labrum; (79, 80) mandibles; (81) maxillae and labium ventrally: st - stipes, pp - palpiger, mal - mala, mpl - first segment of maxillary palp, 
mpll - second segment of maxillary palp, lp - labial palp, lig - ligula, pre - prementum, post - postmentum; (82) dorsum of palpiger and maxillary 
palpi: pp - palpiger, mal - mala, lac - lacinia, mpl - first segment of maxillary palp, mpll - second segment of maxillary palp. 
660 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
face. Setae of different size. In examined specimens 
setae on fronto-lateral side of head were broken (Figs 
75,76). 
Antennae 2-segmented, set in membranous ring. 
First segment transverse, wider than second one, with 
one campaniform sensillum. Second segment stout 
more or less as wide as long, with one peg-like sensil- 
lum (or campaniform sensillum) below the top, and 
a group of five small peg-like sensilla at the apex. 
Antennae of examined specimens were in bad condi- 
tion thus it is possible that some sensilla (especially 
sensory appendix) were broken. 
Labrum wider than long, anterior margin slightly 
emarginate (Figs 77, 78). Dorsal side of labrum with 
four long setae (all broken in examined specimens) and 
four campaniform sensilla. Mid part of ventral surface 
(epipharyngeal area) on each side with small seta, 
three campaniform sensilla, and two groups of 7-8 
small sensilla. Central and lateral parts of ventral side 
of labrum armed with numerous small spines. Anterior 
margin with 16 setae. Setae of anterior margin in 
examined specimens were broken except for two setae 
placed laterally. 
Mandibulae heavily sclerotized, palmate, with four 
distinct, triangular, apical teeth in one row, five small 
retracted teeth (or serrated posterior edge of fourth 
tooth) and with tubercle at molar part (Figs 79, 80). 
Dorsal side of mandibles at base with two setae and 
two campaniform sensilla. 
Maxillae and labium connate (Fig. 81). Each stipes 
(st) with 6 long pointed setae. Mala (mal) not distinctly 
bordered from palpiger. Broad, truncate at the apex 
mala bear: eight long pointed setae, one blunt seta, one 
peg like sensillum (very short blunt seta?) and one 
campaniform sensillum. Dorsally palpiger (pp) with 
short protuberance (lacinia? - lac) covered with spines 
(Fig. 82). Palpiger with 3-4 long setae and one campan- 
iform sensillum. Maxillary palp two-segmented: first 
segment (mpl) with two setae and one campaniform 
sensillum, second segment (mpll) with a group of sen- 
silla at apex, and one seta and one campaniform sen- 
sillum below the apex. Labial palp (lp) one-segmented 
\H   \\\ ^K 
84 
Figures 83, 84. Leg of mature larva. (83) Physonota alutacea; (84) Asteriza flavicornis. 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 661 
87 88 
Figures 85-90. Pupae. (85, 86) Physonota alutacea; (87, 88) Asteriza flavicornis; (85, 87) Dorsal aspect of body; (86, 88) ventral aspect of body. 
(89, 90) Abdominal sternites of pupae, (89) Physonota alutacea; (90) Asteriza flavicornis. 
662 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
with a group of sensilla at the apex and two campani- 
form sensilla and one setae below the apex. Hypopha- 
rynx (hyg) covered with numerous spines with 2 setae 
and 4 campaniform sensilla (or 6 setae because it is 
possible that some setae were lost) at base. Premen- 
tum (pre) with 4 long, 2 short setae and 2 campaniform 
sensilla. Postmentum (post) with around 6 long setae 
and few short setae. 
Legs three segmented consist of: coxa, femur and 
tibiotarsus (Figs 46, 84). All segments covered with 
numerous setae. Tibiotarsus apicaUy with heavily scle- 
rotized, curved, single and simple claw which is sur- 
rounded by blunt setae. Extremely numerous blunt 
setae are below claw. Femur with setae of similar length 
as on tibiotarsus and one or two extremely long setae. 
None of the larvae had a shield attached to their 
supra-anal process and there were no shields loose 
among the specimens, strongly indicating that shields 
are not constructed or retained. 
Pupa. Measurements (n=l). Length: 8.20 mm; 
width across first abdominal segment, without lateral 
scoli: 5.80 mm. 
Body short-oval, almost rounded, tergites distinctly 
convex (Figs 87, 88). 
Pronotum dorsally yellow to yellowish-brown on 
each antero-lateral side. Mesonotum yellowish-brown 
in the middle to dark brown on lateral sides. Meta- 
notum yellow with two black spots in the middle close 
to anterior border. Abdominal tergites yellowish- 
brown. Abdominal tergites II-V with two black spots 
in the middle. Lateral scoli of abdominal segments 
I-V yellowish-brown with dark brown tops. Spiracles 
of abdominal tergites I-V black. Ventral side of body 
yellowish-brown with brown head, antennae and 
legs. 
Pronotum with two short processes on each anteri- 
or border. Meso- and metanotum without lateral scoli. 
Abdominal segments I-V with conical lateral scoli 
which are gradually shortened towards posterior part 
of body. Abdominal segments VI and VII with a short 
spine-like process on each side (Fig. 90). Segments VIII 
and IX without lateral processes. Lateral scoli and 
processes without lateral branches. Lateral scoli of 
segments I-V covered with setae which are placed on 
distinct tubercles. 
All tergites, prosternum and abdominal sternites 
covered with setae. Setae of tergites placed on distinct 
tubercles. 
Abdomen with 7 pairs of spiracles; diameter of spir- 
acles of each pair decrease posteriorly. 
The cast skin of the last instar is retained by the 
pupa. 
Diagnosis for first instar larvae. Until now the 
only described first instar larva for any Physonotini 
was that of Cistudinella obducta (Fiebrig 1910; Swie- 
tojanska and Medeiros 2007). 
In general, the body structure of Ph. alutacea and 
C. obducta first instar larvae are very similar. In both 
species tergites and sternites are covered with long 
setae; setae on the ventral side, especially on abdomi- 
nal sternites, are longer than setae of tergites; setae of 
tergites, head and legs are at their tips covered with 
small spines; lateral scoli are without lateral branches 
but are covered with long setae and armed apicaUy 
with one long seta. 
Both species possess characters of diagnostic val- 
ue. Ph. alutacea differ from C. obducta in measure- 
ments: Ph. alutacea (length: 1.70-2.00 mm; width: 
0.75-1.00 mm) is bigger than C. obducta (length: 
0.85-1.40 mm; width: 0.50-0.57 mm). Moreover PA. alu- 
acea possesses 14 pairs of lateral scoli, C. obducta 16, 
although scoli of pair 4, 5, 7 and 9 are very short in Cis- 
tudinella such that the larva superficially appears to 
have only 12 pairs of scoli. Scoli pairs 4 and 16 of the 
Phusonota larva are completely absent and are not 
marked by any tubercle or large seta. The lateral scoli 
of Ph. alutacea proportional to body width are shorter 
than in C. obducta. The supra-anal process of Ph. alu- 
tacea is covered along its entire length with long setae 
while in C. obducta only the basal half of each process 
is covered with long setae. The tips of the supra-anal 
processes of Ph. alutacea are acute while in C. obduc- 
ta obtuse. Supra-anal processes of Ph. alutacea are 
distinctly stouter in ratio to lateral scoli than in 
C. obducta. Setae of body including head and legs of 
Ph. alutacea are more numerous than of C. obducta. 
In Ph. alutacea setae of head and legs in ratio to the 
size of head and legs are shorter than in C. obducta. 
Anterior border of labrum in Ph. alutacea is emar- 
ginated and with 16 setae while of C. obducta is not 
emarginated and with 14 setae. Mandibles of Ph. alu- 
tacea are with four triangular apical teeth and one 
small tubercle in continuous row and one small teeth 
distinctly moved back whereas in C. obducta 
mandibles are with three triangular apical teeth in one 
row and four small teeth moved back. 
DISCUSSION 
Mature larvae oiPhysonota alutacea andAsteri- 
za flavicornis possess features which are character- 
istic for primitive (generalized) tribes of Cassidinae 
sensu stricto. In both species the body including legs 
and head is covered with numerous setae (polytrichy), 
legs are long with a large number of setae around the 
claw, head with 6 distinct pairs of stemmata, and the 
number of lateral scoli is smaller than in species of 
more derived tribes (ie Cassidini and Aspidimorphini.). 
Ph. alutacea possesses 14 pairs of short conical, 
slightly posteriorly curved lateral scoli; A. flavicornis 
15 pairs of straight, moderately long scoli whereas 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 663 
Table 1. 
species Cistudinella obducta 
(after Swietojariska and 
Medeiros 2007) 
Physonota alutacea 
(new data) 
Asteriza flavicornis 
(new data) characters of mature larvae 
length of body [mm]; from 
anterior border of prothorax to 
the base of supra-anal processes 
5.00-7.40 10.50-12.00 8.00-8.30 
width of body [mm]; without 
lateral scoli 
2.40-3.10 5.60-5.80 4.80-6.00 
shape of body oval; the widest across meso- 
and metathorax; slightly 
narrowed posteriorly; slightly 
dorso-ventrally flattened 
oval; the widest across meso- 
and metathorax; abdomen 
strongly narrowed posteriorly; 
meso-and metathorax distinctly 
convex,; abdomen slightly 
flattened dorso-ventrally 
short-oval, almost rounded; the 
widest across meso- and 
metathorax; dorso-ventrally 
flattened; thorax distinctly 
convex, especially metathorax 
number of pairs of scoli 16 14 15 
scoli long; straight; covered with 
numerous lateral branches and 
less numerous long setae 
short; conical; slightly bended 
posteriorly; covered with 
numerous short setae 
short; straight; covered with long 
setae 
supra-anal processes long; with apical half less 
sclerotised than basal 
long; strongly sclerotised on 
whole length; covered with 
numerous short setae 
short; strongly sclerotised; 
covered with short setae 
setae of tergites numerous; long; placed on 
elongated tubercles 
numerous; short; placed on 
small tubercles 
numerous; long; placed on stout 
tubercles 
setae of stern ites numerous; mostly without 
tubercles; usually longer than of 
tergites; especially long setae 
are in the middle of abdominal 
stern ite II to V 
numerous; distinctly longer than 
of tergal setae; the most 
numerous setae are in the middle 
of abdominal sternitae but their 
number decrease posteriorly 
numerous; as long as setae of 
tergites or distinctly longer; the 
most numerous and the longest 
setae are in the middle on 
abdominal stern ite l-lll 
head sclerotised; hypognathous; 
retracted into pronotum; median 
suture complete, connected with 
fronto-clypeal suture; setae 
numerous but not as in 
Ph. alutacea 
sclerotised; hypognathous; 
retracted into pronotum; median 
suture complete, connected with 
fronto-clypeal suture; setae 
extremely numerous; of different 
length: setae of vertex shorter 
than setae placed along fronto- 
clypeal suture and close to 
stemmata 
sclerotised; hypognathous; 
retracted into pronotum; median 
suture complete, connected with 
fronto-clypeal suture; setae 
numerous but less numerous 
than setae of Ph. alutacea and 
C. obducta 
stemmata 6 pairs 6 pairs 6 pairs 
dorsal side of labrum with four long setae and four 
campaniform sensilla 
with four long and numerous 
short setae 
with four setae and four 
campaniform sensilla 
anterior margin of labrum not emarginated; with 14 setae emarginated; with 16 setae: two 
dorsally, 8 in the middle and 
three slightly longer on each 
lateral side 
slightly emarginated; with 16 
setae 
mandibulae palmate; with three distinct 
triangular apical teeth in one row 
and four small retracted teeth; 
and with two setae and two 
campaniform sensilla dorsally 
palmate; with five distinct 
triangular apical teeth in one 
row and one hardly marked and 
retracted teeth; and with two 
campaniform sensilla, two long 
and few (6-8) small setae 
dorsally 
palmate; with four distinct apical 
teeth in one row and 5 small 
retracted teeth and distinct 
tubercle at molar part; and with 
two setae and two campaniform 
sensilla dorsally 
legs covered with numerous setae 
but not as numerous as in 
Ph. alutacea; distinct pulvilli 
at base of claw 
covered with extremely 
numerous setae; pulvilli not 
observed 
covered with numerous setae 
similar to C. obducta; pulvilli 
not observed 
shield of supra-anal processes 
composed of 
exuvia shield absent shield absent 
664 J. SWIETOJANSKA and D. M. WINDSOR 
Table 2. 
species Physonota alutacea 
(new data) 
Physonota helianthi 
(after Sanderson 1948) 
Physonota 
unipunctata 
(after Sanderson 1948) 
Asteriza flavicornis 
(new data) 
Eurypepla 
calochroma 
(after Woodruff 1976) characters of pupae 
length of body [mm] 10.50; or 11.00 
(according to 
Sanderson 1948) 
8.00 8.00 8.20 no information 
width of body [mm]; 7.10 no information no information 5.80 no information 
without scoli 
shape of body short-oval, almost 
rounded; tergites 
distinctly convex 
oval oval short-oval, almost 
rounded; tergites 
distinctly convex 
oval 
anterior border of without processes without processes without processes with two short with two short 
prothorax processes on each 
lateral side 
processes on each 
lateral side 
scoli of abdominal distinct, conical, scoli of segment l-lll distinct, their tops distinct, conical distinct, conical, 
segment l-V curved anteriorly very short, of slightly curved lateral scoli which curved anteriorly 
their length segment IV, V posteriorly; scoli are gradually their length 
gradually shortened hardly visible slightly shorter than shortened towards gradually shortened 
towards posterior in Ph. alutacea, posterior part of towards posterior 
part of body A. flavicornis and 
E. calochroma 
body part of body 
abdominal segments with a short spine- no information no information with a short spine- no information 
VI?VII like process on each 
side 
like process on each 
side 
abdominal segments without lateral no information no information without lateral no information 
VIII?IX processes processes 
surface/setae of body setae not observed no information scoli of first four all tergites, dorsal surface is 
abdominal segments prostemum and tuberculate, nearly 
minutely tuberculate abdominal sternites 
covered with setae; 
setae of tergites 
placed on distinct 
tubercles 
granular on some 
of pronotum 
derived Cassidinae tribes such as Cassidini and Aspidi- 
morphini posses 16 pairs of long lateral scoli covered 
with numerous lateral branches, a smaller number of 
dorsal setae, 5 distinct pairs of stemmata (and usual- 
ly one pair of very small, rudimentary stemmata in 
the shape of a pigmented spot), and claws surrounded 
by a small number of setae. According to Woodruff 
(1976) the mature larva of Eurypepla has 14 pairs of 
scoli and at first glance looks intermediate between the 
larvae of Physonota and Asteriza. The previously 
described mature larva of Cistudinella obducta 
(Swietojahska and Medeiros 2007) possesses some fea- 
tures characteristic for a generalized species (poly- 
trichy of both dorsal and ventral side of body, long legs 
with distinct puMlli and large numbers of setae around 
the claw, 6 pairs of stemmata, mandibles with 3 large 
apical teeth, anterior margin of labrum not medially 
emarginate, well developed lacinia) and some for 
derived (16 pairs of lateral scoli and long supra-anal 
processes), although 4 pairs on the anterior half of 
body (4, 5, 7 and 9) are distinctly shorter than neigh- 
bouring ones. These examples suggest that the mature 
larva in all tribes of Cassidinae close to Physonotini do 
not have a constant number of pairs of scoli and scoli 
in some species are rudimentary in shape or complete- 
ly absent although in some genera various pairs of 
species tend toward reduction (Physonota and 
Eurypepla - pairs 4 and 1Q, Asteriza - 4, Cistudinel- 
la - 4, 5, 7 and 9). Generalized characters of all genera 
suggested their close relationship and in our opinion 
separating them into three different tribes based only 
on one variable character (numbers of scoli) is not jus- 
tified. 
The structure of the first instar larvae of Physono- 
ta and Cistudinella are very similar and generalized. 
In both species tergites and sternites are covered with 
long setae whereas in species of derived tribes the body 
is covered with cauliflower-shaped sensilla with long 
setae occurring only on the first three abdominal ster- 
nites. Lateral scoli of Ph. alutacea and C obducta are 
IMMATURE STAGES OF ASTERIZA FLAVICORNIS (OLIVIER, 1790) AND PHYSONOTA ALUTACEA BOHEMAN, 1854 665 
without lateral branches but are covered with long 
setae armed apically with one long seta. Lateral scoli 
of derived species are also without lateral branches but 
are covered with cauliflower-shaped sensilla armed 
apically with more or less elongate cauliflower-shaped 
or clubate sensilla. The similarity between first instars 
of Physonota and Cistudinella is more distinct than 
between mature larvae and it suggests close rela- 
tionships between both taxa. Thus, suggestions in 
Swietojahska and Medeiros (2007), based on the study 
of mature larvae that both taxa should be placed in 
different tribes is not confirmed by our study of first 
instar larvae. Although the first instar larva of Aste- 
riza is still unknown, the structure of the mature larva 
is very similar to larva of Physonota indicating the 
likely proximity of this genus to both Physonota and 
Cistudinella. Its close relationships to Physonota 
and Cistudinella is also confirmed by host plant 
Cordia serrata Roxb. (Boraginaceae) according to 
observations by Walcott (1927). The family Botragina- 
ceae is principal host for most species of the tribe Phy- 
sonotini, except two species of Physonota feeding on 
Asteraceae and Lamiaceae (Borowiec and Swietojahs- 
ka 2008). Thus, the suggestion by Borowiec (1995) that 
the Asterizini, Ischyrosonychini and Physonotini 
should be merged into a single tribe is corroborated by 
our study of larvae, especially first instars. However, 
we do not propose a formal synonymization until the 
the first instar oiAsteriza has been carefully studied. 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
We thank E. Riley (Department of Entomology, 
Texas A&M University) for kindly supplying the imma- 
ture specimens oiAsteriza. 
Dr Jolanta Swietojahska would like to thank the 
University of Wroclaw for financial assistance (project 
No. 1018/DS/TZ/08). 
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Received: March 11, 2008 
Accepted: July 10, 2008