Genus of beetles
Nisotra is a genus of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. They are found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. There are around 90 described species in "Nisotra", including about 70 in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Many of these species are agricultural pests.
Description.
"Nisotra" can be recognised by: a thickset and distinctly convex body; the pronotum as wide of the elytra basally; the pronotum anterior margin with two longitudinal groove-like impressions, often deeply impressed and sometimes reaching middle of pronotum.
Diet.
"Nisotra" feed on plants in the families Malvaceae, Bombacaceae, Tiliaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Rubiaceae, Poaceae and Orchidaceae.
Larvae feed on roots (boring in stems has also been reported), while adults feed on leaves.
Pests.
In the Solomon Islands, "N. basselae" is a pest on bele ("Abelmoschus manihot"). Its impact is so severe that bele is no longer grown in many places on the islands.
"Nisotra chrysomeloides" is a pest on okra ("Abelmoschus esculentus"). Its abundance varies depending on temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Another okra pest is "Nisotra sjostedti".
Species.
These species, among others, belong to the genus "Nisotra":
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External links.
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