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Agapanthia asphodeli
Classification
Diagnostic Features of Larvae
- Mature larva. Form very elongate, slender, curved and cylindrical. Length up to 30 mm; maximum breadth (at prothorax) 4.7 mm. Head salient, oval in cross-section (maximum head-width 2.7 mm), with sides slightly rounded and converging for posterior third; almost entirely uniformly sclerotized and pale greenish yellow in color; occipital foramen postero-ventral; antennal foramen closed behind; frontal sutures distinct for entire length; genae broadly rounded, smooth, and bearing numerous fine golden setae; numerous (at least thirty) epistomal setae present. One pair of very indistinct ocelli present. Labrum thick, strongly transverse and densely setose. Mandibles bidentate apically. Hypostoma slightly convex, smooth, testaceous and bearing numerous scattered, short setae; hypostomal and gular sutures undefined. Antenna minute, 2-segmented; segment 2 very short, transversely dome-shaped and bearing a small tapering, hyaline process. Maxillary palpi 3-segmented; segment 3 as long as segment 2. Labial palpi with segment 2 slightly shorter than segment 1. Mentum distinct from submentum. Prothorax with a large sclerotized plate which is micro-granulate dorsally; median cleavage line faintly impressed; lateral grooves absent; presternum with a pair of sublateral sclerotized plates; mesosternum and metasternum strongly protuberant and bearing long, dense setae. Abdomen with segments elongate and cylindrical, each dorsal ampulla with two transverse rows of glabrous elongate tubercles which are broadly interrupted by a median furrow; ventral ampullae absent. Segment 9 swollen, densely setose posteriorly and as wide and high as apex of segment 8. Epipleurum protuberant on all segments. Pleural tubercle without sclerotized pits but bearing numerous setae. Anus trilobed and in center of apical truncation of segment 9. Legs absent. Spiracles round, with about thirty marginal chambers which occupy the entire inner margin of peritreme. Adapted from Duffy (1957).
Biology and Economic Importance
- Members of this tribe are known from various host plant families. Species of this tribe are potentially invasive outside their native range.
Selected References to Larvae Specimens
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