Identification of Meligethes matronalis and M-subaeneus based on morphometric and ecological characters (Coleoptera : Nitidulidae)

An analysis of morphometric and bionomic data las well as the genetic evide nce discussed in a companion paper) clearly shows that Meligethes matronali s Audisio & Spornraft, 1990 and M. subaeneus Sturm, 1845 (members of the Me ligethes coracinus complex: Coleoptera, Nitidulidae, Meligethinae), recentl y synonymised by Kirejtshuk (1997), are distinct species. The two species a re also compared with the closely related M. coracinus Sturm, 1845. Meliget hes matronalis is strictly associated with Hesperis matronalis L. (Brassica ceae) in early Summer, whereas the larvae of the frequently syntopic M. sub aeneus develop on Cardamine spp. (Brassicaceae) in Spring; M. coracinus is a more polyphagous species, developing From early Spring to late Summer mos tly on Brassica spp., Sinapis spp., Barbarea spp. and Sisymbrium spp. (Bras sicaceae).