subarachnoidella

Subarachnoidella is a monotypic genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae. The sole species, Subarachnoidella indica, is known from the southern regions of the Indian subcontinent, where it inhabits scrublands and agricultural margins. The genus was first described by the entomologist V. K. Gupta in 1974, based on specimens collected in the Western Ghats. The specific epithet "indica" reflects its type locality.

Morphologically, Subarachnoidella indica is characterised by a moderately convex, oval body measuring between 3.5 and 4.2 millimetres in length. The dorsal surface exhibits a pale tan to ochre background with a subtle reticulate pattern of darker semitransparent scales. The elytra bear fine longitudinal striations, and the pronotum is slightly wider than the elytra. Antennae are filiform, consisting of eleven segments, the scape being slightly longer than the pedicel. The legs are well proportioned for walking on vegetation, with tibiae bearing small spines.

The biology of Subarachnoidella indica remains poorly documented. Observations suggest it feeds on the leaves of various leguminous plants, and adults are most active during the monsoon season. Reproductive behaviour follows typical patterns of Galerucinae, with females laying eggs on host plant foliage. Larval development stages have not been formally described, although it is presumed that larvae are leaf-feeding grubs inhabiting the soil near the host plants.

Taxonomically, the genus has occasionally been misapplied to closely related taxa within the tribe Galerucini, leading to confusion in early literature. Subsequent revisions using both adult morphology and larval characters have confirmed the distinct status of Subarachnoidella. Current classification places it firmly within the subfamily Galerucinae, and it continues to be recognised by major entomological catalogues such as the Catalogue of Life and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.