22 November 2023

Author Mark Hanlon ◦

Hi All,

I am assisting David Frank and Dominic Vondracek from the National Museum in Prague to undertake a revision of the genus Chalcophorataenia in Australia. There are 14 recognised valid species (together with many synonyms) and likely around 8 or so undescribed species in this genus. There have been a few pictures of species posted on this site (Australasian Beetles Only) before (and I will post some more soon), however they are generally found in more arid areas and emerge after rain and feed on the leaves of various Myrtaceae (eucalyptus, melaleuca etc). There are a few species that are found on different plants like Hakea, Allocasuarina and Acacia) and some that are in wetter areas, mainly in Queensland.

Chalcophorataenia australasiae, QLD © Mark Hanlon
Chalcophorataenia australasiae, QLD © Mark Hanlon

As part of this revision the authors want to obtain DNA from as many species of Chalcophorataenia as possible as well as the related Australian genera in the Chalcophorinae sub-family. These are Pseudotaenia, Chrysodema, Cyphogastra, Chalcotaenia, Iridotaenia and Metataenia.

The DNA analysis will determine the relationships with similar SE Asian species and also the validity of the current generic grouping of these Australian species.

The best DNA comes from fresh specimens so I would love everyone’s assistance with live specimens of each of the species and the different genera. I’ll be able to get most of the WA species however assistance with eastern states species would be greatly appreciated.

Chalcophorataenia martinii, QLD © Mark Hanlon
Chalcophorataenia martinii, QLD © Mark Hanlon

I’m very happy to pay all express postage costs (and an additional amount for the specimens if required) in order to assist with getting the material required.

A number of these genera have not been found for many years (particularly Metataenia and Chrysodema in FN QLD) so I expect this project will take a couple of years.

Chalcophorataenia quadriimpressa, QLD © Mark Hanlon
Chalcophorataenia quadriimpressa, QLD © Mark Hanlon
Chrysodema aurofoveata, Atherton QLD © Mark Hanlon
Chrysodema aurofoveata, Atherton QLD © Mark Hanlon
Metataenia aurofoveata, Cooktown Nth QLD © H. W. Brown
Metataenia aurofoveata, Cooktown Nth QLD © H. W. Brown
Metataenia meeki, QLD © H. W. Brown
Metataenia meeki, QLD © H. W. Brown
Pseudotaenia spilota, QLD © Mark Hanlon
Pseudotaenia spilota, QLD © Mark Hanlon
Chalcophorataenia quadriimpressa © Mark Hanlon

Note: This is the interesting species that it would be nice to get some fresh specimens of. These specimens were caught in early Jan at Alice Springs and are from MAGNT. They will emerge a few weeks after rain and be on eucalyptus leaves.

Chalcophorataenia sp, Darwin NT © Mark Hanlon
Chalcophorataenia sp, MAGNT, Darwin NT © Mark Hanlon

Photographs © Mark Hanlon

You can contact Mark Hanlon via Facebook group Australasian Beetles Only and Messenger.

Footnote & References

  1. Australasian Beetles Only, Facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1180404322409639/