Developmental stages of Caenocholax fenyesi Pierce (Strepsiptera : Myrmecolacidae): Descriptions and significance to the higher taxonomy of Strepsiptera

Abstract

The first instar, secondary larva, and tertiary larva of Caenocholax fenyesi Pierce (Strepsiptera; Myrmecolacidae) are described. This is the first description of these stages from the genus Caenocholax and the sixth of a first instar, free-living larva, and second of secondary and tertiary larvae in the family Myrmecolacidae. Morphological characters of C. fenyesi are discussed, as are characters that might have taxonomic significance in the phylogeny of the Strepsiptera. The results of our study suggest that the characters of the first instar that are the best candidates for structures with taxonomic importance are: number and location of ocelli, location of spines, and leg structures of the first-instar.