Morphology of the third instar larva of Colobopterus quadratus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) using scanning electron microscopy

• DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23289
• Publication Date: 2019-05-10T14:55:40Z
• Authors: Ce Li; Ying Lu; Hong Fang; Lu Jiang
• Keywords: Dung beetle; Scarabaeoidea; Mandible (arthropod mouthpart); Morphology; Tribe

Abstract Aphodiinae are a large cosmopolitan subfamily of Scarab beetles (Scarabaeoidea: Scarabaeidae), playing an important role during dung decomposition. Many aspects, especially immature stages, these have not yet been recorded due to their comparative small body sizes and lacking striking rolling behavior. In this study, the third instar larva Colobopterus quadratus is morphologically described using scanning electron microscopy. The atypical for combination following morphological features: (a) larval antennae five‐segmented; (b) clypeus bears 4 minute protuberances on dorsal surface; (c) epitorma epipharynx ventrally protuberant; (d) scissorial area left mandible broad blade‐like; (e) raster furnished with six glabrous two rows pali arranged in V‐shape. Some significant ultra‐morphological features were discovered first time. presence blade‐like incisor implies potential root cutting ability.