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On the respiratory adaptations, biology, aid taxonomy of‘the Psephenidae, with notes on some related families (Coleoptera)
Author(s) -
Hinton H. E.,
Matthews L. Harrison
Publication year - 1955
Publication title -
proceedings of the zoological society of london
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0370-2774
DOI - 10.1111/j.1096-3642.1955.tb00617.x
Subject(s) - pupa , biology , larva , zoology , aquatic insect , ecology , insect , taxonomy (biology)
S ummary .1 A comparative account is given of the respiratory adaptations of the larvae and pupae of the family Psephenidae. 2 The structure of the spiracles of the larvae of the Eulichidae is described. 3 The structure and function of a simple but previously unknown respiratory adaptation, the spiracular brush, are described. 4 An account is given of the evolution of the cribriform type of spiracle from the biforous. 5 The methods of attachment of Psephenid pupae to the larval cuticle and to the substrate are noted. 6 Abdominal gin‐traps in the pupa of one of the Eubriinae and in the larva of the same species are described. The protective devices called gin‐traps have not previously been recorded in insect larvae. 7 Instances in the Psephenidae of the mimicry of the larva by the pupa of the same species are noted. These appear to be the first recorded instances of mimicry amongst aquatic insects. 8 A key to the immature stages of the subfamilies of the Psephenidae is given. 9 Afropsephenium terricola Paulian is shown not to belong to the Psephenidae or the superfamily Dryopoidea. 10 A new definition of the family Dryopidae is given. 11 It is shown that the larvae of the aquatic Dryopidae are terrestrial and not aquatic, and that this group and the Hydraenidae are apparently the only exceptions among insects to the rule that if the adults are aquatic the larvae are also aquatic but terrestrial adults may have aquatic larvae.