Phratora polaris

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Phratora polaris
Phratora polaris Sparre Schneider 1886.png
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Family: Chrysomelidae
Genus: Phratora
Species:
P. polaris
Binomial name
Phratora polaris

Phratora polaris is a species of leaf beetle found in the Nordic regions of Europe., [1] [2] [3] occasionally in Scotland, [4] and Iceland. [5] Some authors have recorded it in central Europe, [6] especially in the Alps. [7] [8] Historically, this species has occurred in Greenland. [9] This beetle is found on willow ( Salix ) species in the southern part of its range. [1] [10] [11] Populations in Lapland feed on birch. [3] [12] [13]

Contents

Description

This small (3.7–5 mm) beetle is similar in size and shape to other species of Phratora . Willow-feeding adults are typically metallic blue or green, but birch feeding populations are metallic dark brown [14] Larvae are dark to black and pupae are pale. [15]

Distribution and range

Phratora polaris occurs in the Nordic regions of Europe, [1] [14] occasionally in Scotland, [4] [15] and Iceland. [5] It has also been recorded in the eastern Alps. [7] [8] and in Germany. [6]

Habitat and host plants

Phratora polaris is the only Phratora species known to feed on host plants in two different plant families (Salicaceae) and (Betulaceae). [11] In most of its range, P. polaris adults and larvae feed and lay eggs on willow ( Salix ) plants. In Iceland, [5] Norway [16] and Scotland, [17] populations are found on the low-growing Salix herbacea . In Norway [16] and Finland, [10] populations occur on the tea-leaved willow ( Salix phylicifolia ) and on Salix polaris . [1] In Alpine Austria, it has been recorded on Salix arbuscula . [7] In Finnish Lapland [12] [18] and Swedish Lapland, [3] P. polaris is known to feed on Betula pubescens . [13]

Taxonomy

Genitalia of female Phratora polaris from Finland Phratora polaris female genitalia Valtimo Finland.png
Genitalia of female Phratora polaris from Finland

Phratora polaris is closely related to Phratora tibialis , as noted by Palmen, [1] Steinhausen, [8] Sundholm, [19] and Köpf et al. (1996). [10] Male [1] and female genitalia of P. polaris (which can be observed with live beetles under the dissecting scope when pressure is applied to the abdomen), closely resemble those of P. tibialis . [19] Steinhausen (1993) [8] described populations in Austria as belonging to a 'boreal-alpine' form of P. polaris.

Phratora phylogeny.jpg

Mitochondrial sequences at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (DNA barcoding) gene show more divergence among willow- vs birch-feeding populations of P. polaris within Finland than between willow-feeding populations of P. polaris from Finland and P. tibialis from Switzerland. [11] In 1996, Köpf et al. [10] examined host plant preferences and mating behaviors for P. tibialis populations from Switzerland and a P. polaris population in eastern Finland. Beetles from all three populations showed similar host plant preferences, regardless of the host plant that they had been collected on, and P. tibialis and P. polaris individuals also mated with each other freely. These behavioral studies suggest that the actual biological species boundaries may be different than current classifications suggest. For example, birch-feeding populations of P. polaris might be classified as different species. [11]

Life history and natural enemies

Like other Phratora species at high altitudes and latitudes, P. polaris probably undergoes one generation within a growing season. [10] [11] It probably shares the same natural enemies as other Phratora species, which are described in more detail for Phratora vitellinae and Phratora laticollis .

Larval secretion chemistry

Phratora polaris larvae secrete a defensive secretion that contains iridoid monoterpenes that they synthesize themselves (autogeneously), while their congener Phratora vitellinae sequesters host plant salicylates to make its larval defensive secretion. [20] Using host plant compounds to make the larval defensive secretions appears to be the evolutionarily advanced or derived state of this trait. [11] Studies of the effect of these defensive secretions on potential generalist spider predators revealed that the spiders ate larvae of P. polaris more readily than P. vitellinae, which was probably because the defensive secretion of Phratora vitellinae was more repellent to the spiders than the secretion of P. polaris. [21]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leaf beetle</span> Family of beetles

The insects of the beetle family Chrysomelidae are commonly known as leaf beetles, and include over 37,000 species in more than 2,500 genera, making up one of the largest and most commonly encountered of all beetle families. Numerous subfamilies are recognized, but the precise taxonomy and systematics are likely to change with ongoing research.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue willow beetle</span> Species of beetle

The blue willow beetle, formerly Phyllodecta vulgatissima, is a herbivourous beetle of the family Chrysomelidae. It is dark with a metallic sheen that ranges from a blue color to bronze. It is distinguished from P. vitellinae by the latter more commonly displaying bronze coloration. European Phratora species can be distinguished based on morphology of female genitalia. The larvae undergo three instar stages from hatching to pupation. This beetle is found throughout Europe and Scandinavia, and occurs in China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysomelinae</span> Subfamily of beetles

The Chrysomelinae are a subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), commonly known as broad-bodied leaf beetles or broad-shouldered leaf beetles. It includes some 3,000 species around the world.

<i>Chrysomela lapponica</i> Species of beetle

The leaf beetle Chrysomela lapponica is found in central and northern Europe feeding on leaves of willows and birch. The adult beetles are about 8 mm long and beetles in different regions can have different colour patterns on their elytra.

<i>Chrysomela populi</i> Species of beetle

Chrysomela populi is a species of broad-shouldered leaf beetle belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Chrysomelinae.

<i>Parasyrphus nigritarsis</i> Species of fly

Parasyrphus nigritarsis is a species of hoverfly, from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera. It is known from northern Europe and North America, and has been considered to be a rare species in parts of its range. Adults visit flowers as a source of nutrition, and females lay their eggs on clutches of eggs of leaf beetles. When the Parasyrphus larvae hatch, they first consume leaf beetle eggs and then consume immature beetles until they reach the pupal stage. This species is related to hoverflies that prey on aphids as larvae, and has been investigated in studies of chemical ecology and food web ecology.

<i>Clytra quadripunctata</i> Species of beetle

Clytra quadripunctata is a species of leaf beetle in the subfamily Cryptocephalinae. Its common name is Four spotted leaf beetle.

<i>Phratora</i> Genus of beetles

Phratora is a genus of leaf beetles. It is synonymous to Phyllodecta . European Phratora species can be distinguished based on morphology of female genitalia., but they differ little in size and body form and most show metallic coloration.

<i>Phratora vitellinae</i> Species of beetle

Phratora vitellinae, the brassy leaf beetle, formerly Phyllodecta vitellinae, is a beetle of the family Chrysomelidae found in Europe and Asia. It feeds on Populus and Salix species. The evolution of its host plant preferences and the mechanism by which it uses host plant chemicals to make a larval defensive secretion have been the subject of intense study by research groups in Europe and the Nordic countries.

<i>Phratora laticollis</i> Species of beetle

Phratora laticollis is a species of leaf beetle found in Europe and Asia. This beetle is found on Populus species and the chemistry and production of its larval defensive secretions and host plant relationships have been studied extensively.

Phratora americana is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America.This species is known from Ontario, Quebec, and high elevations in the eastern United States of America. It feeds on willow species and varies in color from purple to blue or blue-green.

<i>Chrysomela aeneicollis</i> Species of beetle

Chrysomela aeneicollis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. This organism has been used as a model for studies of natural selection in nature. It is currently being investigated to study effects of environmental change on insect populations, and the evolutionary significance of variation at genes affecting metabolism and the response to stress. It has been included as a study species in the California Conservation Genomics Project, due to its presence in multiple California ecoregions and extensive knowledge of genetic variation, evolutionary ecology, and interactions with other species. Information about its range and comparisons with closely related species can be found in a review of the genus Chrysomela published in the Canadian Entomologist.

Phratora interstitialis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Europe and Northern Asia and North America. This leaf beetle feeds on host plants that are poor in salicylates and is closely related to the European Phratora vulgatissima, which also feeds on salicylate-poor willows.

Phratora hudsonia, the birch leaf beetle, is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. This species is known from Canadian populations at the Great Slave Lake and north shore of Lake Superior. It feeds on birch and is metallic brown in color. It is relatively small in size, like other Phratora species.

<i>Phratora purpurea</i> Species of beetle

Phratora purpurea, the aspen skeletonizer, is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found across North America, including Maryland, New York, Ontario, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories. It feeds on willows and poplars, and is deep purple or coppery red in color.

<i>Labidostomis cyanicornis</i> Species of beetle

Labidostomis cyanicornis is a species of short-horned leaf beetles belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae, tribe Clytrini.

<i>Parasyrphus melanderi</i> Species of fly

Parasyrphus melanderi is a flower fly that is best known as a larval predator on the leaf beetle Chrysomela aeneicollis in the Sierra Nevada range of California.

<i>Symmorphus cristatus</i>

Symmorphus cristatus is a species of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae within the family Vespidae. This species is widely distributed in North America, and it preys on the larvae of leaf beetles.

Phratora frosti is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. This species is known from Nova Scotia to Alberta. It feeds on willow species and varies in color from blue to purple to coppery, with pale legs.

<i>Phratora tibialis</i> Species of beetle

Phratora tibialis is a species of leaf beetle found in Europe and parts of Asia. This beetle is found on willows and the chemistry and production of its larval defensive secretions and host plant relationships have been studied extensively.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Palmén, E. (1945). "Zur Systematik finnischer Chrysomeliden. 2. Taxonomisches und Zoographisches über Phyllodecta polaris Sp.-Schn". Annales Entomologici Fennici. 3: 196–203.
  2. ↑ Silverberg, H. (1994). "Chrysomelidae in the Arctic". In Jolivet, P. H.; Cox, M. L.; Petitpierre, E. (eds.). Novel aspects of the biology of Chrysomelidae. Vol. 50. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic. pp. 503–510.
  3. 1 2 3 Tenow, O. (1963). "Leaf-eating insects on the mountain birch at Abisko (Swedish Lapland) with notes on bionomics and parasites". Zoologiska Bidrag från Uppsala. 35: 546–567.
  4. 1 2 "Phratora polaris Schneider, 1886". UK Beetle Recording. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  5. 1 2 3 "Phratora polaris". voktun-natturuverndarsvaeda. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  6. 1 2 Lucht, W. H. (1987). Die Käfer Mitteleuropas: Katalog. Krefeld: Goecke and Evers Verlag.
  7. 1 2 3 Franz, H. (1974). Die nordost-Alpen im Spiegel ihrer Landtierwelt: eine Gebietsmonographie. Coleoptera 2. Teil, umfassend die Familien Pselaphidae bis Scolytidae. Umfassend: Fauna, Faunengeschichte, Lebensgemeinschaften und Beeinflussung der Tiere durch den Menschen. Vol. 4. Innsbruck-München: Universitätsverlag Wagner.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Steinhausen, W. R. (1993). "Phratora polaris leederi, eine boreoalpine Rasse in Mitteleuropa (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae)". Acta Coleopterologica. 9: 29.
  9. ↑ Bennike, Ole; Björck, Svante; Böcher, Jens; Hansen, Louise; Heinemeier, Jan; Wohlfarth, Barbara (1999). "Early Holocene plant and animal remains from North‐east Greenland". Journal of Biogeography. 26 (3): 667–677. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2699.1999.t01-1-00315.x. ISSN   0305-0270. S2CID   55656729.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Köpf, A.; Rank, N.; Roininen, H. (1996). "Geographic variation in feeding and mating preferences in the Phratora tibialis complex". Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 80: 311–314. doi: 10.1111/j.1570-7458.1996.tb00942.x . S2CID   84826240.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Köpf, A.; Rank, N. E.; Roininen, H.; Julkunen-Tiitto, R.; Pasteels, J. M.; Tahvanainen, J. (1998). "The evolution of host-plant use and sequestration in the leaf beetle genus Phratora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)". Evolution. 52 (2): 517–528. doi: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1998.tb01651.x . PMID   28568343. S2CID   24641299.
  12. 1 2 Koponen, S. (1973). "Herbivorous invertebrates of the mountain birch at Kevo, Finnish Lapland". Reports of the Kevo Subarctic Research Station. 10: 20–28.
  13. 1 2 Holmstrom, A. (1972). "The invertebrate fauna of the Kilpisjärvi area, Finnish Lapland". Acta Societatis Pro Fauna et Flora Fennica. 80: 165–180.
  14. 1 2 "Phratora polaris (Sparre Schneider, 1886)". Polarmessingbladbille Phratora polaris (Sparre Schneider, 1886). Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  15. 1 2 Owen, J. A. (1988). "A note on the life history of Phyllodecta polaris Schneider (Col.: Chrysomelidae)". Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation. 100 (3): 91–92. ISSN   0013-8916.
  16. 1 2 Munster, T. (1935). "Norwegian Chrysomelids". Norsk Entomolgisk Tidsskrift. 4: 1–8.
  17. ↑ Morris, M. G. (1970). "Phyllodecta polaris Schneider (Col., Chrysomelidae) new to the British isles from Wester Ross and Inverness-Shire, Scotland". Entomologist's Monthly Magazine. 106: 48–53.
  18. ↑ Nuorteva, P. (1966). "Leaf development and leaf pathogens on subarctic birches after a calamity of Oporinia autumnata (Bkh.) (Lep., Geometridae)". Annales Zoologici Fennici. 3: 270–286.
  19. 1 2 Sundholm, A. (1956). "Studien über die Gattung Phyllodecta Kirby (Col. Chrysomelidae)". Opuscula Entomologica. 21: 5–7.
  20. ↑ Pasteels, J. M.; Rowell-Rahier, M.; Braekman, J. C.; Daloze, D. (1984). "Chemical defenses in leaf beetles and their larvae: their ecological, evolutionary and taxonomic significance" (PDF). Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 12 (4): 395–406. doi:10.1016/0305-1978(84)90071-1. S2CID   83537954.
  21. ↑ Palokangas, P.; Neuvonen, S. (1992). "Differences between species and instars of Phratora leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in the probability to be preyed on". Annales Zoologici Fennici. 29: 273–278.
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