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Psyche 
[Vol. 94 
concealment and defense is enhanced by the accumulation of fecal 
matter and exuviae on a caudal fork held over the body and used 
against predators (Shelford 1916, p 175; Eisner et al. 1967). The 
adults of many Cassidinae are conspicuous, diurnally-active insects 
especially abundant on young or rapidly growing vegetation. 
References to subsocial habits in the Cassidinae are few and all 
come from the Neotropics. Ohaus (1899-1900) observed adult 
female Omaspides (Omoplata) pallidipennis Boheman clinging to 
the backs of larvae on the undersurfaces of Passiflora leaves in Peru 
(Abb. 205 in von Lengerken, 1954; also Fig. 1 18, p 62, OToole and 
Preston-Mafham 1985). Ohaus (1909) noted that another cassidine, 
Pseudo me somphalia (Neomphalia) thallassina Boheman, shielded 
tightly aggregated larvae with its elytra. Fiebrig (1910, Abb. la) 
observed female Acromis spinifex (= Selenis spinifex L.) guarding 
stalked egg masses in Paraguay (redrawings of this figure. Fig. 
156/1 in Linsenmaier 1972, p 156 and Abb 206 in von Lengerken 
1954, erroneously have a male guarding the egg mass). Fiebrig’s ob- 
servations did not indicate how long mothers guarded their off- 
spring or from whom they were being guarded. 
The genus Acromis Chevrolat ( Selenis Hope) (Tribe: Stolaini, 
Hincks 1952) is comprised of four species whose ranges appear to 
meet or overlap in Amazonia. A. sparsa has been collected from 
Mexico south through Central America into Brazil and Bolivia 
(Blackwelder 1982, p 743). Extensive collecting by H. Stockwell and 
others in Panama has turned up only A. sparsa. A. nebulosa 
Boheman has been collected in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia; A. spinifex 
L. in Guadeloupe and other locales in South America (Paraguay) 
and A. venosa Erichson (illus. no. 186/ 16, Linsenmaier 1972, p 186) 
in Peru and Bolivia. I have found no reports on parental care in 
either A. venosa or A. nebulosa ; however, the similarities in adult 
morphology throughout the genus suggest similar habits. 
Methods 
Observations and specimens were collected at low to middle ele- 
vations (0-500 m) in central Panama where A. sparsa is abundant in 
disturbed areas and is rarely, if ever, observed under closed forest 
canopy or in forest light-gaps. A. sparsa is not seen, for example, on 
Barro Colorado Island, nor has it been recovered from the light 
traps run there by H. Wolda for 13 years. However, A. sparsa is an 
