File: <clept1.ima.htm> [For educational purposes only] Terminology Glossary <Principal Natural
Enemy Groups > <Citations> |
Immature Stages
of Cleptidae
Detailed information on immature
stages of Cleptidae (often included in Chrysididae) is being acquired. However, Clausen (1940) noted that the egg
of Cleptes (Fig 131A) is sub
elliptical in form with the anterior end widest. It is 1.0 mm. in length and bears a button-like micropylar
structure. The 1st instar larva (Fig. 131B)
has 12 indistinct body segments of equal length, and the caudal end tapers to
a rounded point. The head is large,
quadrangular in outline, and not heavily sclerotized and bears conspicuous
antennae at the dorsal anterior corners.
The mouth is located ventrally, and the mandibles are small and
simple. There are no integument
spines or setae. Eight pairs of
spiracles are present, situated at the anterior margin of the 1st thoracic
and on the first 7 abdominal segments.
The first pair is very large, while those on the abdomen are small and
inconspicuous. The mature larva is very robust,
glistening white in color, and bears 10 pairs of spiracles. A distinct parchment-like cocoon (Fig.
131C) is spun within that of the host, and its posterior end is flattened to
partition off the host remains and meconium, which are compressed into a
mass. Please CLICK on picture to view details: References: Please refer to <biology.ref.htm>,
[Additional
references may be found at: MELVYL Library ] |