Phoretic association of some AfricanCyaneolyttaPéringuey 1909 with carabids, and morphology of first instar larvae in Meloini (Coleoptera Meloidae)

Abstract

The phoretic association between larvae of the genus Cyaneolytta Peringuey 1909, and those of another unclassified meloine with Coleoptera Carabidae of the Anthiini tribe is discussed. So far these associations have been considered to be only by chance, but probably they are connected with as yet unknown aspects of the larval biology. Some hypotheses about the possible hosts of Cyaneolytta, with particular attention to the Isoptera and to the Coleoptera Carabidae, are presented. However, it is possible that some species are parasitic on other orders of insects. The strong morphological differences of the first instar larvae are emphasized, and the larvae of three species are described. Perhaps the larva of an unclassified meloine can also be placed in this genus. On the basis of the morphology of the first instar larvae the genera and subgenera of the Meloini tribe are discussed, and a new key for their classification is proposed.