Congratulations to Mary Koolhof OAM
Three Tasmanian species of leaf beetles, belonging to the nobilitata species-group of Paropsisterna Motschulsky,1860, are identified and redescribed: P. hectica (Boisduval, 1835); P. simsoni (Blackburn, 1899); and P. vittata (Blackburn, 1899). Paropsisterna hectica is a senior synonym of P. aurea (Blackburn, 1899) (new synonym). A neotype is designated for P. hectica, and lectotypes designated for P. aurea, P. simsoni and P. vittata. Paropsisterna vittata, described from alpine Victoria, is identified in Tasmania for the first time, and its similarity to P. selmani Reid & de Little, 2013 noted. The brilliant living colours of the adults are illustrated. Paropsisterna simsoni (the Hobart Gold) is shown to be a valid species and not an immature form of P. aurea as previously suggested.
Published Papers
The Royal Society of Tasmania acknowledges, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, and the ongoing custodianship of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. The Society pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples have survived severe and unjust impacts resulting from invasion and dispossession of their Country. As an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, the Royal Society of Tasmania recognises Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices and seeks to respect and honour these traditions and the deep understanding they represent.
On 15 February 2021, the Royal Society of Tasmania offered a formal Apology to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Read more
