The identification and distribution ofCryptocephalus biguttatus (Scopoli) and C.bipunctatus (Linnaeus) var. thomsoni Weise(Chrysomelidae) in Britain

摘要

Following widespread confusion in the recent literature, new characters areprovided to separate two superficially similar Cryptocephalus, C. biguttatus and C.bipunctatus var. thomsoni. All available British specimens are critically re-examined, and available data summarised. Several records of C. biguttatus areshown to be based on misidentifications or misinterpretations. We have verified,based on specimens, just seven post-1980 hectads for C. biguttatus; it has been`over-recorded', and its actual conservation importance is greater than generallyperceived.