Larval morphology of selected species of families Lampyridae and Silphidae

Ing. Martin Novák

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

Larvae and pupae are notoriously overlooked and underestimated immature stages of beetles. While information about adults including their descriptions are common, not much is known about the larvae. However, knowledge about morphology and ecology of the juvenile stages can provide us with valuable information in various fields of science. Details about body features can help us in comparative taxonomy and phylogenetics, when the data gathered from studying adults are not sufficient. Knowledge about ecology can help us understand the interactions of the larvae with other animals and the environment, thus giving us valuable clues in possible conservation efforts or even pest control. Consequently, the combination of information about morphology and ecology can have practical utilization in other fields of human efforts, such as forensic entomology within criminal science.This work presents four published articles and one manuscript accepted for review, predominantly dealing with larval morphology of five selected species of Lampyridae (fireflies) and Silphidae (carrion beetles), and summarizing and expanding information about their ecology. Furthermore, they provide extensive and detailed image documentation using scanning electron microscope. Additionally, general ecology of the families Lampyridae and Silphidae is compared and discussed in this work, as well as differences between the two families on one hand and evolutionary convergences on the other. Morphological structures are given in context with ecology, defensive behavior and feeding habits of the larvae. Bioluminescent display of Lampyridae as well as and ontogeny of larvae and pupae of both families are discussed.First group of articles deals with all species of Lampyridae occurring in the Czech Republic and surrounding countries. Last instar larvae of Lampyris noctiluca, Lamprohiza splendidula and Phosphaenus hemipterus are described in great detail and discovered morphological features are given in context with their ecology and feeding habits. Bioluminescent display of L. noctiluca and L. splendidula is discussed. Additionally, pupae of L. noctiluca and L. splendidula are described, with notes on their development. Larva of L. splendidula possesses a unique feature behind stemmata not found in other firefly genera. Larva o P. hemipterus possesses numerous sensoria on its head appendages, which is probably connected with its unique ecology. A key to larvae of all three species is provided, together with detailed comparative table of individual features.Second group of articles deals with both species of Thanatophilus occurring in the Czech Republic. Thanatophilus rugosus and T. sinuatus are forensically important beetles and their potential in utilization in criminalistics is undisputable. However, besides last instar larvae, no identification key has been so far provided to distinguish between them. All larval instars of both species are thus described in great detail and a key to identify any larval instar within or between the species is provided. Additionally, developmental lengths for T. rugosus and T. sinuatus are presented for the needs of forensic science and their utilization in criminalistics discussed together with notes on laboratory rearing.

Keywords

Lampyris noctiluca, Lamprohiza splendidula, Phosphaenus hemipterus, Thanatophilus rugosus, Thanatophilus sinuatus, Silphidae, Lampyridae, larval morphology, forensic entomology

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 8. 2018

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Jan Růžička, Ph.D.
• Reader: Jan Bezděk, Bc., externi, Jakub Prokop, externi, Martin Fikáček, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Doctoral programme / field:
Ecology / Ecology