Diet

• Adults: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves and tender plant tissues. The specific host plants of S. collaris are not well documented.

• Larvae: The immature biology is poorly known, but larvae of related Galerucinae generally feed on plant tissues and may develop on roots or foliage.

• Because the host association is uncertain, particular plant species should not be assumed when searching for this beetle.

Range

• Schematiza collaris is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, with a distribution in Mexico.

• Around Zihuatanejo, it should be considered occasional. It can be encountered on vegetation in the region, although its relatively small size makes it easy to overlook.

Habitat

• Associated with tropical and subtropical vegetation, including forest margins, woodland, scrub and areas of secondary growth.

• Adults would be expected primarily on leaves and low vegetation, where they feed and mate.

• Around Zihuatanejo, suitable places to search would include sunny forest edges, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, particularly during the rainy season when fresh foliage is abundant.

Size

• Colouration is useful for identification, but Schematiza contains numerous similarly shaped species, so markings and structural details are important.