Morphological changes in the three-phase development ofAenetus virescenslarvae (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A larval phase of Aenetus virescens (Doubleday) morphologically distinct from the young larvae found on dead wood and fungi (litter phase) and the older larvae in live trees (tree phase) is described, and designated the ‘transfer phase’. It is characterised by expansion and fusion of the dorsal pinacula, which results in a darker overall coloration. The transfer phase is a single instar, but its exact position in larval development seems to vary. The ‘transfer larva’ migrates from the litter habitat to live tree hosts, where it establishes a tunnel. Chaetotaxy and other morphological features of A. virescens larvae are described and compared. The diagnostic value of certain features of a range of hepialid larvae is discussed.