About the Key
This interactive key enables the user to identify to genus the adult beetles of the subfamily Spilopyrinae occurring in New South Wales. The Spilopyrinae belong to the family Chrysomelidae (leaf-beetles) and are represented by four genera in New South Wales.
This key was created by Chris Reid and Kindi Smith of the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Research, Australian Museum, Sydney. The illustrations and key construction are by Kindi Smith and the descriptions and taxonomic decisions by Chris Reid.
The key has been constructed from examination of preserved specimens held at the Museum. The choice of genera and species is based on locality information taken from literature records and specimen data held by the museum.
The key has been designed for people with varying degrees of prior knowledge of beetles, from the general enthusiast to research scientist. The terminology has been kept simple but is supported by a glossary and illustrations.
All genera of Spilopyrinae known from New South Wales are included. At the time of writing the authors are unaware of any undescribed or additional described genera from this state.
We will be happy to receive any comments or constructive criticisms at [email protected].
