Comparative morphology of immature stages of Ludioctenus cyprius (Baudi di Selve, 1871) (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Agrypninae), with discussion on the monophyly of Hemirhipini

Abstract

We describe and illustrate for the first time morphology of the mature larva and pupa of Ludioctenus cyprius (Baudi di Selve), and provide information on its biology. Additionally, we compare these immature stages with other genera in Ludioctenina, Hemirhipini and Agrypninae and provide the diagnostic characters for L. cyprius. Within Ludioctenina and related genera, larva of this species is distinguished mainly by the distribution of asperite-like setae and a higher number of tubercles on abdominal tergum IX. The pupa has long and strongly sclerotized prolongations on prothorax, bifurcate and sclerotized urogomphi and a dentate gin trap on abdominal segments VI–VII. Ludioctenina larvae are very similar to those of Thoramus, Pherhimius and Hemirhipus in several characters including the strongly curved dorsal epicranial ridges, lateral edge of head with irregularly distributed setae, anterior corners of frons bilobed, adnasalia long and approximate, mandibles without penicillus, asperite-like setae on thorax and abdomen, urogomphus short, and a lower number of dorsal tubercles on abdominal segment IX. The pupa is also similar to the above mentioned genera, mainly by the long sclerotized pronotal prolongations and bifurcate abdominal prolongations. The remarkable differences among genera currently classified within Hemirhipini in combination with the earlier published molecular phylogenies suggest the non-monophyly of the group.