Caenia dimidiata (Fabricius, 1801)

BOCAK, L. & MATSUDA, K., 2003, Review of the immature stages of the family Lycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera), Journal of Natural History 37 (12), pp. 1463-1507 : 1478

Caenia dimidiata (Fabricius, 1801)

This data is based on exuviae, therefore, the shape of the epicranium, the mouthparts and the structure of spiracular plates of Caenia dimidiata cannot be compared with those of Calopteron and Lycostomus .

Diagnosis. Caenia dimidiata differs from known lycid larva by the presence of four robust, pronotal processes (figures 18, 19) and minute urogomphi (figure 13).

Description of the last larval exuviae. Elongate, yellowish white, only terga T2–T3 and A1–A8 with two brown patches in middle. Head with deep, wide groove between antennae. Apical antennomere slender, long. Mandibles stout, as long as mala, maxillary palpi slightly longer, apical palpomere slender, long. Labial palpi minute, apical palpomere very slender, pointed. Pronotum with two complex anterolateral and two long lateral processes, segments T2–T3 and A1–A8 with long, curved, lateral to posterior processes (figures 18, 19). Segment A9 with minute urogomphi (figure 13).

Measurements. BL 10.5 mm, PL 1.07 mm, PW 1.8 mm.

Material examined. USA, Lucedale , Miss., 15.iv.1931, H. Dietrich, attached to adult specimen identified as Caenia dimidiata (F.), det. J. W. Green, last larval exuviae, one spec. ( ZMAN) .

Remark. The exuviae are well preserved and the shape and size of many body parts are distinct. The size and shape of the thoracic and abdominal sclerites was illustrated by Böving and Craighead (1931, plate 76, figure H). and the unclear patches on the terga of exuviae correspond likely to terga longitudinally divided in two tergites. Exuviae ruptured transversally between head and pronotum, leaving the cuticle of head capsule untouched, and then laterally up to the segment A8 (figure 18).