Elytrimitatrix undata Classification Family Disteniidae > Subfamily Disteniinae > Tribe Disteniini > Genus Elytrimitatrix Diagnostic Features of Larvae Larva. Form very elongate, slender, anteriorly depressed, posteriorly cylindrical; prothorax relatively much wider than the other cerambycid larvae, suggesting a buprestid in general shape; integument thin, shining, very sparsely beset with short fine hairs. Head depressed, widest about the middle, slightly tapering anteriorly and posteriorly, rather deeply embedded in the prothorax; mouth-frame darkly chitinized; epistoma nearly straight, rather abruptly raised; clypeus and Labium thin, latter semi-elliptical, widest at base, finely and densely haired; mandibles narrow from side, about twice as long as basal width, cutting edge short, truncate, dorsal angle slightly toothed; no ocelli; antennae conical, first and second joints short, transverse, subequal, terminal joint slender and longer; antennal ring closed behind. Ventral mouthparts rather fleshy, densely and finely haired; palpi conical, last joint longest; process of palpifer small, fleshy; lacinia short, fleshy; mentum longer than wide; labial palpi slender, terminal joint shortest; ligula large, fleshy; neither gula nor hypostomal sutures distinct. Prothorax depressed, transversely oval; pronotum trapezoidal, widest at base, a narrow hand of short hairs across anterior margin, posteriorly velvety pubescent; presternum bearing two small, fleshy lobes on anterior margin at base of submentum; eusternum widely trapezoidal, widest at base, posteriorly velvety pubescent; sternellum also velvety pubescent; mesonotum, metanotum, mesosternum, and metasternum transverse, velvety pubescent; scutal and hypopleural areas protuberant. Legs small, slender, three distinct joints; tarsus attenuate, claw-like. Abdominal segments very elongate, slender, cylindrical, intersegmental skin very long; ampullae widely separated, flat, transverse, dull, velvety pubescent, present on only six segments; parascutal and coxal lobes protuberant laterally; ninth segment longer than any other, cylindrical; anus transverse, two lobes ventral, one dorsal; spiracles small, orbicular. Pupa. Head, pronotum, mesonotum, and metanotum covered with numerous long, slender hairs; each abdominal tergum bearing two circular groups of acute points, becoming more slender on last segments, a long hair arises from the base of each point. Adapted from Craighead (1923). Biology and Economic Importance Larvae of this species feed in the roots of recently killed hickory (Carya), especially those infested by hickory bark beetles. It has also been found in Cercis and Ulmus. The mines are extended in a meandering manner beneath the bark and tightly packed with coarse granular frass. Pupation occurs in the sapwood, normally two years are required to complete development. The larva assumes a folded position while burrowing similar to the buprestids. Adults have been observed at night ovipositing in the base of the trees. Adapted from Craighead (1923). Selected References to Larvae Specimens Craighead, 1923