Morphology of the larvae and biology of the adults of Psilorrhynchus bifasciatus do not confirm previous hypotheses about systematics and feeding habits (Coleoptera: Cantharidae)
Biffi Garbriel, Migliore Letizia J., Casari Sônia A.
Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 62(1): 23-34, 2022
Published online: 23rd April 2022
Views: 1895
Abstract: Psilorrhynchus bifasciatus (Blanchard, 1844) is broadly distributed through
South America, but its biology, behaviour and life cycle are unknown. The most
characteristic feature of the adults is slender rostrum, presumably associated
to a specialised feeding habit. However, new observations of P. bifasciatus
feeding on nectar in inflorescences of Matayba guianensis Aubl. (Sapindaceae) do
not support such a hypothesis. Here, we describe and illustrate their early
larval instars in details and compare them with the other Chauliognathini. The
larvae are remarkably characterised especially by a long and thick pubescence,
conspicuous roughness on the head and thoracic terga, and head with sharp
lateral projections. These features are unique amongst the known Cantharidae
larvae and do not confirm a previous hypothesis of close affinity between
Psilorrhynchus Gemminger & Harold, 1869 and bromeliad-inhabiting
Chauliognathini species.
Key words: Coleoptera, Cantharidae, Chauliognathinae, Chauliognathini, behaviour, biology, flower visitor, immatures, Matayba guianensis, Brazil, Neotropical Region