Comparative morphology of the larval mouthparts among six species of Sphingidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera), with discussions on their diversity

Abstract

Caterpillars have a significant impact on human economy, because their plant-attacking and silk-producing habits. The larval mouthparts play a crucial role in feeding and spinning and exhibit an extremely morphological diversity, which is closely related to their taxonomic status, feeding habits, and even the developmental stages. However, the larval mouthparts have not been fully elucidated in the megadiverse Sphingidae. In this study, the larval mouthparts of Ampelophaga rubiginosa Bremer & Grey, 1853, Laothoe amurensis (Staudinger, 1892), Smeritus planus Walker, 1856, Dolbina tancrei Staudinger,1887, Phyllosphingia dissimilis (Bremer, 1861), and Marumba sperchius (Ménétriés, 1857) were morphologically observed and compared using scanning electron microscopy. The mouthparts of six species are morphologically diverse on the labral notches, mandibles, spinneret and labial palps arrangement of the mouthparts. The morphological diversity of larval mouthparts is briefly discussed, considering their taxonomical and functional aspects.