Description of the mature larva of Pedilus flabellatus (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pedilinae), with phylogenetic implications of the discovery

Abstract

The larva of Pedilus flabellatus (Horn) was collected from debris associated with the base of a dead, standing Pseudotsuga menziesii in the Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon; it is described and illustrated. Species identity was established by rearing a larva to the adult stage. The larva of Pedilus flabellatus holds meaningful phylogenetic implications. The presence of an uninterrupted transverse series of asperities on sternum 9 is unique among larvae of Pedilus, and supports the previously hypothesized classification of the Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae + Pedilinae + Cononotinae. This character is discussed with respect to its presence in the Pyrochroidae and other families of Heteromera.