File: <steli1.ima.htm> [For educational purposes only] Terminology Glossary <Principal Natural Enemy Groups > <Citations>

Immature Stages of Stelidae

Detailed information on immature stages of Apoidea, Stelidae is being acquired. However, Clausen (1940) noted that several eggs are laid along the side of the host. The cell is then sealed and the young larvae of host and guest feed side by side without interference; but the Stelis larva develops more rapidly, and the host thus dies of starvation.

The young Stelis larva is equipped with long falcate mandibles which extend forward similar to Chrysopidae. It is very aggressive and, though much smaller than the host larva, often being only 1/4th its length, is able to overpower it.

References: Please refer to <biology.ref.htm>

[Additional references may be found at: MELVYL Library]