Definition
Casmena schoutedeni is a species of leaf beetle belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Eumolpinae.
Overview
The species is part of the genus Casmena, which comprises African eumolpine beetles that feed on plant foliage. C. schoutedeni was formally described in the mid‑20th century and is known from the central African region, with specimen records primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be phytophagous, inhabiting forested or savanna habitats where host plants are available. Detailed information on its biology, ecology, and conservation status remains scarce.
Etymology / Origin
The specific epithet schoutedeni honors the Belgian zoologist and entomologist Henri Schouteden (1881–1972), who conducted extensive field research in Central Africa. The genus name Casmena is derived from classical roots, but its precise linguistic origin has not been explicitly documented in the original description.
Characteristics
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Taxonomy:
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Chrysomelidae
- Subfamily: Eumolpinae
- Genus: Casmena
- Species: C. schoutedeni
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Morphology: The original description notes a small to medium‐sized beetle (approximately 4–6 mm in length) with a generally oval, convex body shape typical of Eumolpinae. The dorsal coloration is reported as reddish‑brown to dark brown, with elytral punctation and subtle longitudinal striae. Antennae are filiform and relatively short, not extending beyond the middle of the pronotum.
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Distribution: Confirmed from collection localities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additional records from neighboring Central African countries have not been definitively published.
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Habitat and Ecology: While specific host plants have not been recorded, related Casmena species feed on a variety of angiosperms, suggesting C. schoutedeni likely occupies similar ecological niches.
Related Topics
- Eumolpinae – a diverse subfamily of leaf beetles predominantly found in tropical regions.
- Henri Schouteden – notable zoologist after whom the species is named.
- Chrysomelidae – the broader family of leaf beetles, encompassing many agriculturally important species.
- African entomology – the study of insect fauna in Africa, including taxonomic surveys of Coleoptera.
Note: Detailed ecological and distributional data for Casmena schoutedeni are limited in the scientific literature. Accurate information is not confirmed for certain aspects such as precise host plant associations and full geographic range.