Ecology and Evolutionary History of Diabrotica Beetles—Overview and Update

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This review provides an overview on selected aspects of the ecology and biology of Diabrotica leaf beetles. A special focus is on the western corn rootworm as a major pest insect on corn. Furthermore, general information on host plant relationships and natural enemies of this beetle group is presented. Current knowledge of these leaf beetles is mostly focused on a limited number of economically important species. For the majority of the species in the group little to nothing is known about their biology and their host plants. This information, however, could be useful for future plant breeding programs and pest control strategies. ABSTRACT: An overview is given on several aspects of evolutionary history, ecology, host plant use, and pharmacophagy of Diabrotica spp. with a focus on the evolution of host plant breadth and effects of plant compounds on natural enemies used for biocontrol of pest species in the group. Recent studies on each aspect are discussed, latest publications on taxonomic grouping of Diabrotica spp., and new findings on variations in the susceptibility of corn varieties to root feeding beetle larvae are presented. The further need for in-depth research on biology and ecology of the large number of non-pest species in the genus is pointed out.