Phenology and Larval-Adult Size Relations in the Ant-Lion Macroleon quinquemaculatus

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Abstract
Larvae of the ant-lion M. quinquemaculatus (Hagen) pupate in the rainy seasons which occur in the Dar es Salaam [Tanzani] area in March-May and Sept.-Dec. The size of pupating larvae varies greatly, all larvae above 120 mg and some between 90 and 120 mg pupating in a rainy season. Hunger can induce pupation. The time when a larva pupates within a rainy season is inversely related to larval weight. Larvae usually pupate within 2 days of leaving their pits but some larger larvae delay pupation for up to 4 mo. All pupating larvae emerge as adults, but there are 3 distinct size classes of larvae: those < 140 mg become adults that are a decreasing percentage of larval weight, larger larvae become adults that are a constant or an increasing percentage of larval weight. Adult females show 2 length-weight relationships, small adult females (from larvae < 140 mg) being relatively shorter than large adults. Mean egg size and fat content of adults increases with adult weight. The above relations strongly suggest that larvae pupating when small become adults of reduced fitness. Various larval behaviors are in accord with this explanation. The minimum size for pupation appears to be determined by the quantity of fat stored for pupal consumption.

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