Morphology of immatures of Aphodius (Neocalaphodius) moestus (Fabricius, 1801) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodinae)

Abstract :

Immatures of Aphodius (Neocalaphodius) moestus (Fabricius, 1801) were studied and compared with  A arenarius, A. nanus, A. hyxos and A. granaries. The IIIrd Instar larva of A. moestus differs in presence of prominent slit on the ventral anal lobe, 1st antennal segment 2 times the length of 2nd antennal segment, presence of 36 to 41 setae on raster and mandible with 1st tooth blunt compared to A. arenarius, A. nanus, A. hyxos and A. granaries. Eggs are laid freely in dung. As the larval development gets completed, pupation occurs inside the pupal chamber.  Pupal chamber is irregularly oblong with pupa on one side of the chamber.  Pupa of male differs from that of female in presence of gonopore. The ratio of adult emergence during March and April 2017 was 2f#:1m#.


Keyword :

Coprophagous, beetles, white grubs, Maharashtra


Author(s) : Khadakkar, S. S., Tiple, A. D., Khurad, A. M.
Downloads : 526
Published Issue : 2018 Vol. 13 Number 2


2018 Vol. 13 Number 2