Immature stages of beetles representing the ‘Opatrinoid’ clade (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): an overview of current knowledge of the larval morphology and some resulting taxonomic notes on Blapstinina

Abstract

Abstract This paper summarizes currently available morphological data on larval stages of representatives of the ‘Opatrinoid’ clade (Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae). Literature research revealed that larval morphology of approximately 6% of described species representing this lineage is currently known (139 out of ~ 2325 spp.). Larvae of the five following species are described and illustrated: Zadenos mulsanti (Dendarini: Melambiina; South Africa), Blapstinus histricus , Blapstinus longulus , Trichoton sordidum (Opatrini: Blapstinina; North America), and Eurynotus rudebecki (Platynotini: Eurynotina; South Africa). The majority of studied larvae were associated with adults using molecular tools, resulting in an updated phylogeny of the ‘Opatrinoid’ clade. This revised phylogeny provides an evolutionary context for discussion of larval morphology. Based on the morphological and molecular evidence, the following synonym is proposed within Blapstinina: Trichoton Hope, 1841 (= Bycrea Pascoe, 1868 syn. nov.). Based on this decision, a new combination is introduced: Trichoton villosum Pascoe, 1868 comb. nov. The economic importance of the ‘Opatrinoid’ clade larvae is also briefly discussed, as well as potential future avenues of research.