Blatchley Fig. 358
(1). A useful illustration showing that the larvae in this family have only four functional legs.
a,
larva;
b,
pupa;
c. beetle (adult, i.e.,
imago);
d, hind leg of larva, showing atrophied joints;
e, same, enlarged.
(After Riley.)
Blatchley does not mention this, but the diagram (e) shows the toothed structure on the reduced hind leg. This is used to
stridulate with a corresponding structure on the middle leg. Looking at the termniology, I guess the
plectrum (pick) would be on the middle leg and this comb-like structure on the hind leg would be the
pars stridens. If anyone knows better, please leave a comment!
Contributed by
Cotinis on 17 February, 2009 - 9:45am
Last updated 26 February, 2009 - 6:58pm