The larva of Graphipterus serrator (Forskål 1775) (Coleoptera Carabidae Graphipterini): description and functional morphology

The larval feeding behaviour of Graphipterus senator (Forskal 1775) has been investigated, using field and laboratory observations, by one of the authors. In this paper the larval morphology is described and the correlation of the very unique features of the three larval stages with the myrmecophilous life style is pointed out. The presence of channeled mandibles in the first and second instar suggests liquid feeding, previously unknown for carabid beetles. The body shape, triunguline-like in the first instar, physogastric with anchorage tubercles in the others, indicates different ways of life during larval developement. The sensorial set is remarkable because it is reinforced and strongly specialized, especially in the first instar. On the basis of the larval morphology a phylogenetic relationship with the tribe Peleciini is hypothesized.