Solving the mystery of the “Hobart Gold” – the identity and redescription of three Tasmanian leaf beetle species of the genus Paropsisterna motschulsky, 1860 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae)

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.