First‐instar larvae, courtship and oviposition in <i>Eletica</i> : amending the definition of the Meloidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea)

Abstract

Abstract. The first data are presented on larvae, oviposition, and mating behaviour in the Eleticinae, the most primitive subfamily of Meloidae. Taxa studied include two African species of Electica . Larval descriptions of E.rubripennis and E.wahlbergi are presented, as well as observations of oviposition in E.rubripennis and of courtship leading to copulation in E.wahlbergi . The placement of eggs under bark and the absence of a triungulin larva in both species are unique for the family. They represent plesiotypic traits found in other groups of Tenebrionoidea.