In the order Coleoptera, some cantharid species have been shown to uniquely include an inactive immature form referred to as a prolarva.
This growth process is called foetometamorphosis.
The hatchlings of some malachiid species have also been found to be foetomorphs who reach larval completion at the third instar.
Why do these species have such a growth stage?
Does anyone know similar examples of the "prolarval stage" in Holometabola?
Article Description of the Early Instars of Laius asahinai Nakane (C...
Article Early instar larvae of Intybia niponicus (LEWIS) (Coleoptera...
Article Morphology and biology of Nepachys japonicus (Kiesenwetter) ...
oviform nymphs are prolarval stage" in Holometabola. the immature stages of holometabolous (completely metamorphosing) insects are often widely divergent from the adult form. The immature stages, here called larvae , of the Holometabola undergo a radical metamorphosis by passing from the larval to the pupal stage (a process called pupal development), and then from the pupal to the adult stage (adult
development). Larvae of holometabolous insects are distinguished from the nymphs of hemimetabolous insects by the presence of internally developing wings, the presence of modified larval eyes, and reduced or absent larval legs. The fate of the larval tissues differs among the holometabolous orders. A crawling egg is also an example.
Foetomorphs, sounds interesting. I have never come across the term until now. There must be some environmental factor driving such an intermediate stage of development. I have read about damselfly species adopting a prolarval stage before. Apparently it is to assist them to reach a developmental site/medium.
It's truly amazing how species adapt to the conditions they are presented with. Recently, I read about that damn interesting Chronomid Belgica antarctica: brachypterous, female photonegativity to find suitable oviposition sites, adoption of cryoprotectants by the larvae to survive crazy subzero temperatures. You have got to love natural history, that's why we all do it.......:)
Thank you for the answers. Very helpful. I’ll do my best with the solution of this problem.
I show the specific example of the malachiid beetle, my question might have been not sufficient. Please see above my articles.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Zoology
- Invertebrate Zoology