Ovoviviparity in carabid beetles of the genus Pseudomorpha (Insecta: Coleoptera)

Abstract

Ovoviviparity is reported for the first time in the ground beetle family Carabidae. Eclosed larvae and fully developed embryos are found within the expanded lateral oviducts, bursa copulatrix and vagina of the putative myrmecophiles Pseudomorpha angustata and P. hubbardi. Eclosed larvae do not appear to be active while held inside the female prior to larviposition. Maximum larval numbers occur from mid-July to early September in these Arizona species, implying that larviposition is timed to coincide with summer rains. Larviposition is hypothesized as a means to eliminate egg mortality due to predation by ant hosts.