Systematic Study On The Cassidinae (Coleoptera: Hispidae) From Northeast China

The. Cassidinae belongs to Coleoptera, Chysomeloidea, Hispidae, and the subfamily is the most evolutionary group in Chysomeloidae. All of the Cassidinae beetles are phytophagous, they feed on many crops. At present, about 4 tribes, 19 genera, and 160 species have been known from China, but only about 20 species were known from Northeast China. The present paper deals with the systematic study on the Cassidinae from Northeast China.The paper comprised three parts. In part one, the general situation of the systematic study of the subfamily in the world, characteristics, biological habits, and economic importance were introduced. In addition, the materials and methords are also reviewed. In the second part, 6 genera and 31 species of Cassidinae from Northeast China were identified, including 2 new species: Cassida glabroscutella sp. nov. and Cassida nigripoda sp. nov., 1 new record species from China: Cassida flaveola, 3 new record species from Northeast China, 2 new record species from Heilongjiang Province, 1 new record species from Jilin Province, and 2 new record species from Liaoning Province.All the species treated in this paper were described and illustrated in detail, such as adult and genital characteristics, host plants and distribution. Adults and genitalia photos were also provided. Keys to the species based on the adult genitalia were provided in the first time. With the combination of classical systematic results, 24 characteristics were choosen respectively in cladistic study on genera of Cassida, and 4 species groups were proposed.This paper provided the primary base for systematic study of Cassidinae of China". Moreover, it is of great importance in guiding the control of agricultral and forestry pests, and protection of biodiversity in Northeast China. All the specimens examined were deposited in the Insect Collection of Northeast Forestry University, China.