Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Gratiana pallidula (Boheman)
Orig. Comb: Cassida pallidula Boheman, 1854
Numbers
2 spp. (incl. one recently introduced) n. of Mex.
(2) (2nd sp. in se US)
Identification
Adult: in most live individuals, pronotum light green, elytra light golden brown with explanate, transparent margins; color of dead specimens mostly medium brown with lighter brownish-yellow margins; body oblong; elytral margins almost parallel-sided for more than half of their length; elytral disc with many small surface pits arranged in several longitudinal rows
Larva: may be at least partly green, and carry a fecal shield above its back (
photo B)
Range
e. US to s. CA (CA-FL-NY-NE) / Mex. -
Map (3)(4), less common back east
Habitat
In fields and areas where Solanum grows, usually on the upper side of leaves and often hidden inside curled leaves.
Life Cycle
See article on
Rearing Gratiana pallidula with images of habitat, life cycle, and more.
Print References
Boheman, C. H., 1854. Monographia Cassididarum. Tomus secundus. Holmiae, 506 pp. + 2 tab.
White, R.E. 1975. The identity of Gratiana lutescens (Boh.) and G. pallidula (Boh.) (Cassidinae: Chrysomelidae). USDA Coop. Econ. Ins. Rpt., 25 (10): 166.