Blakealtica, a new genus of flea beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini) from the Dominican Republic

Abstract

Blakealtica fusca a new genus and new species from the Dominican Republic is described and illustrated. In addition to external features, beetle thoracic sclerites (including metendosternite) are fully examined and illustrated. Blakealtica is similar to Monomacra Chevrolat,1836 and related genera (Disonycha Chevrolat, 1836, Hemilactica Blake, 1937, Myrmeconycha Konstantinov & Tishechkin, 2017, Parchicola Bechyne & Bechyne, 1975, Pseudodisonycha Blake, 1954, and Rosalactica Bechyne & Bechyne, 1977) as all studied representatives of these genera are missing the sclerotized vaginal palpi or have them membranous and otherwise poorly developed. This feature may be unique for the Monomacra group of genera as it has not been seen anywhere else in flea beetles.