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Aspects of the biology of Staphylinus olens (Müller), Britain's largest Staphylinid beetle
Author(s) -
NIELD C. E.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
ecological entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.865
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1365-2311
pISSN - 0307-6946
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2311.1976.tb01212.x
Subject(s) - biology , pupa , hatching , instar , larva , zoology , courtship , ecology , population , mating , demography , sociology
1 Methods for rearing Staphylinus olens (Müller) (Col., Staphylinidae) are described, and development compared with other species of Coleoptera. 2 The distribution of S.olens over an area of Manchester is noted, and biological comparisons made with a laboratory population from South Wales. In the area sampled, most individuals live on well‐drained soils, possibly because successful pupation occurs under dry conditions. 3 ‘Courtship’ and mating are described. 4 Egg‐laying, the egg, and its hatching are described, and compared with other coleopteran eggs. 5 Headwidths of laboratory larvae were recorded, and are compared with those of other beetle larvae. 6 Instars I and II lasted 44–45 days, although first instar larvae which eventually pupated had a mean duration of 33.5 days. Instar III averaged 102 days, but this time became shorter with later hatching, roughly synchronizing adult emergence. 7 Pupation and the obtect pupa are described. Pupal development took 32–37 days, after a 10–14 day prepupation period. 8 Newly emerged adults may construct winter burrows after autumn breeding. Second season adults may not hibernate, and often fail to survive another winter. 9 Food is manipulated by mandibles and legs, but no solids are consumed. Adults and larvae will eat many foodstuffs.