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Staghorn Fern Beetle
Halticorcus platycerii
-37.8998, 145.311
Field Notes
Description:
Small shiny black beetles with 4 bright small orange patches on their elytra. Padded feet were white. Black tipped antennae were about half the body length.
Habitat:
Staghorn fern in the back yard - suburban bush
Notes:
We've had this fern for over 20 years and have never before seen such devastation. These little beetles appeared from nowhere and within 3 weeks decimated the fronds leaving thin brown strips. <br> They've disappeared and hope they do not return. <br> We have not noticed any significant factor that would have brought this on.... still researching. <br> If anyone knows of these little Chrysomelids, I would love to hear your comments. <br> H. patycerii is the only known Chrysomelid to be restricted to ferns (Filicopsida & Pteridophyta). <br>
family: CHRYSOMELIDAE <br>
subfamily : Galerucinae <br>
tribe: Alticini
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