a comprehensive checklist and geographic distribution of tortoise beetles (coleoptera, chrysomelidae: cassidinae) in india

Based on a comprehensive review of existing literature and examining the specimens, including 11 types that were housed in the coleoptera section of the zoological survey of india, kolkata, 154 species of tortoise beetles (coleoptera: chrysomelidae: cassidinae) from india are identified. this represents approximately 5.4% of the species diversity of the known tortoise beetles. photographs of the examined specimens (including type specimens) are also provided. the details of the distribution of all the species across indian states (including districts and micro-locations) and biogeographic zones are presented. studying the distribution data of the species reveals that the western ghats harbours the highest number of tortoise beetle species (84), followed by the northeast (58), deccan peninsula (51), himalayas (49), gangetic plains (34), islands (12), and semi-arid regions (12).