Chrysomelid

There was a paucity of chrysomelids at Greek sites and a distinctively northern faunal composition at sites north of Poland.

Working the low areas around the parking lot, I beat a fair number and diversity of beetles and hemipterans—mostly chrysomelids—but only a single Agrilus sp. off of Prosopis glandulosa.

Chrysomelids use their faeces as a biomaterial for constructions and self-decoration behaviours that serve as defensive coats, mobile debris shields, and protective domiciles.

In all, 34 willow-associated chrysomelid species were encountered, of which eight were very abundant.

Defensive shields and domiciles may help explain the uneven radiation of chrysomelid subfamilial and tribal clades.