File: <CANTH1.IMA>

Immature Stages of Cantharidae

Detailed information on immature stages of Cantharidae is being acquired. However, Clausen (1940) noted that the eggs are laid in masses in the soil or beneath various objects and hatch in ca. 1 week. Newly hatched larvae of some species are embryonic in form, having their appendages feebly developed, and are called Aprolarvae. The intestine is filled with yolk, which is the only food until the first molt. The number of larval instars is not always certain. Pupation occurs in cells in the soil.

Larvae of Cantharis rufa var. lituratus Fall. Feed readily on seeds of cereal crops but vegetables are attack incidentally and after the initial break in the skin has occurred by other forces.