Study of the larva of Nosodendron fasciculare (Olivier 1790) (Coleoptera: Nosodendridae) with implications for the phylogeny of Bostrichiformia

Abstract

Internal and external features of larvae of Nosodendron fasciculare were examined and compared to character states found in other groups of Derodontoidea and Bostrichoidea. Synapomorphic larval features indicate a sistergroup relationship between Nosodendridae and Derodontidae: tubercular surface structure, body compressed dorsoventrally, tergites with lateral projections, spiracles located on tubular processus. These families share three derived character states with Jacobsoniidae in one of two equally parsimonious trees. However, the monophyletic origin of Nosodendridae + Derodontidae + Jacobsoniidae is not sufficiently established at present. The monophyly of Bostrichoidea (Dermestidae + Bostrichidae + Anobiidae + Ptinidae) is suggested by hypognathism. Larvae of these families are characterized by the absence of the mandibular mola and a robust apical part of the mandible. The monophyly of Bostrichidae + Anobiidae + Ptinidae is indicated by a C-shaped, grub like body and the abdominal apex formed by an enlarged and rounded segment IX. Bostrychiformia are probably paraphyletic. A closer relationship between Bostrichoidea with Cucujiformia is suggested by the possession of cryptonephric malpighian tubules in adults. The specific type of cryptonephridism in Bostrichoidea is probably derived from this condition and is considered autapomorphic. The monophyly of Nosodendridae (Nosodendron) is supported by several autapomorphies. The assignment of the supposed larva of Nosodendron ovatum remains unclear. An inclusion of the dermestid genus Orphilus in Nosodendridae is rejected. Muscular features of larvae of Nosodendron (and Derodontus) are largely plesiomorphic.