Larval Morphological Adaptations of Leiodes cinnamomea (Panzer, 1793) (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Leiodinae)-Obligatory Feeder of Tuber Species.
Aleksandra KilianMarcin KadejJonathan CooterDeborah J HarveyPublished in: Insects (2022)
Detailed redescription of morphology for three larval instars of truffle-feeder Leiodes cinnamomea , documented on scanning micrographs and illustrations, is provided. Systematic context, observations on biology and unique characteristics of larvae of the only well-described representative of Leiodini are discussed. Exoskeletal invaginations (pseudomycangia), granulation on the head and the median longitudinal row of sclerotized plates on tergites VII-IX-the unique structures among leiodid larvae-were confirmed, described and documented. A mosaic strategy for beetles living in ephemeral and in solid fungi is discussed.