Description of the larvae ofDicronocephalus wallichi bourgoiniColeoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) with observations on nesting behavior and life cycle of twoDicronocephalusspecies under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Larva of the fruit beetle Dicronocephalus wallichi bourgoini Pouillaude 1914 is described and illustrated. The following unique morphological characters within Cetoniinae are discussed: shape of claw, spindle-shaped last antennomera, general body shape. The presence of metathoracic eggbursters in the fi rst instar larva has been found. Its signifi cance for distinguishing the fi rst instar larvae of Cetoniinae is discussed. The nesting behaviours of D. wallichi bourgoini and D. adamsi (Pascoe 1863) are described. The course of the life cycle of both species under laboratory condition is presented and discussed. Résumé. Description des larves deDicronocephalus wallichi bourgoini (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae : Cetoniinae) avec des observations sur les la nidifi cation et sur le cycle biologique de deux espèces de Dicronocephalus en conditions de laboratoire. La larve de Dicronocephalus wallichi bourgoini Pouillaude 1914 est décrite et illustrée. Les caractères suivants sont uniques parmi les Cetoniinae et sont discutés : forme des griffes, dernier antennomère fusiforme, forme générale du corps. On note la présence de dents d'éclosion sur le métathorax. La signifi cation de ce caractère pour distinguer le premier stade larvaire des Cetoniidae est discutée. Les comportements de nidifi cation de D. wallichi bourgoini et D. adamsi (Pascoe 1863) sont décrits. Le déroulement du cycle de vie de ces deux espèces en conditions de laboratoire est présenté et discuté.

Molecular phylogeny of the genus Dicronocephalus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) based on mtCOI and 16S rRNA genes

“…Subsequently their status was lowered to subspecific (Paulian 1960, Mikšić 1971, 1977, Krajcik 1998, Sakai and Nagai 1998, Šípek et al 2008, Young 2012, Krajcik 2014). However, Kurosawa (1968) disagreed with Paulian (1960) as he considered that there were significant morphological differences between them such as the characteristics of the antlers, the clypeus, the marginal carinae of the pronotum, and the metasternal process.…”

“…The members of the genus show distinct sexual dimorphism such as antler-like clypeal horns and prolonged tarsomeres in males (Šípek et al 2008). This genus is composed of seven species including nine subspecies: Dicronocephalus adamsi adamsi Pascoe, 1863; Dicronocephalus adamsi drumonti Legrand, 2005; Dicronocephalus dabryi (Lucas, 1872); Dicranocephalus shimomurai Kurosawa, 1986; Dicranocephalus uenoi uenoi Kurosawa, 1968; Dicronocephalus uenoi katoi Kurosawa, 1968; Dicranocephalus bieti Pouillaude, 1914; Dicronocephalus wallichii wallichii Hope, 1831; Dicronocephalus wallichii bourgoini Pouillaude, 1914; Dicronocephalus wallichii bowringi Pascoe, 1863; Dicranocephalus yui yui Kurosawa, 1968; and Dicranocephalus yui cheni Kurosawa, 1986 (Legrand 2005, Krajcik 2014).…”

“…One species, Dicronocephalus dabryi , is only known in West China and Myanmar. The remaining species and subspecies are widely distributed in Asia occurring throughout the Manchuria and Indo-China (Kurosawa 1986, Šípek et al 2008, Young 2012, Krajcik 2014). …”

“…While some authors have treated these taxa as subspecies (Paulian 1960, Mikšić 1971, 1977, Krajčík 1998, Sakai and Nagai 1998, Šípek et al 2008, Young 2012, Krajcik 2014), some others have treated them as species (Kurosawa 1968, Devecis 2008). The controversy over whether they should be dealt with at the species or sub-species level has continued without in-depth analysis.…”

Immature stages of giants: morphology and growth characteristics of Goliathus Lamarck, 1801 larvae indicate a predatory way of life (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae)

“…Sawada 1991, Donaldson 1992, Nogueira et al 2004, Šípek et al 2008, Perissinoto and Orozco 2013). Micó et al (2008) provide a matrix of 38 larval characters for 12 species of this tribe including the larvae of Goliathus orientalis Moser, 1909 and Fornasinius fornasinii (Berlontoni, 1852), but without a proper description.…”