Larval morphology and biology of some European Anomalini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Rutelidae: Anomalinae). A phylogenetical approach

Abstract

The third instar larvae of five anomaline species, Anomala dubia (Scopoli, 1763), Anomala quadripunctata (Olivier, 1789), Blitopertha lineata (Fabricius, 1798), Mimela rugatipennis (Graells, 1849) and Phyllopertha horticola (Linnaeus, 1758) are described as well as their biological data. The analysis of the morphology of the four distinct genera studied revealed diagnostic differences in leg morphology, last abdominal segment, and spiracles. An approach to the phylogeny of the group based on larval characteristics is provided. Finally, the systematic position of Blitopertha Reitter, 1903 is discussed. © Insect Systematics & Evolution (Group 2).