Larval morphology of the Meloe subgenus Mesomeloe: Inferences on its phylogenetic position and a first instar larval key to the Meloe subgenera (Coleoptera, Meloidae)

Abstract

The triungulin of Meloe (Mesomeloe) coelatus, is described; the first instar larva of this subgenus was previously unknown. In cluded is a comparative analysis of morphological characters of Mesomeloe, phylogenetic inferences on the position of this Palaearctic desertic taxon, and a key to the first instar larvae of Meloe subgenera.

Key words:

• Coleoptera Meloidae
• Meloe
• First instar larva
• Systematics