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Meriellum proteus
Classification
Diagnostic Features of Larvae
- Form robust, cylindrical; integument firm, rather dull, densely covered with long, light castaneous hairs. Head transverse, rather broad in front; mouth-frame strongly chitinized, dark brown; labrum about one and one-half times as wide as long; mandibles longer than wide at base, basal piece reddish-brown, one-half as wide as distal piece, latter piceous, shining, with a faint longitudinal groove; first and second antennal joints subequal, last one-half as long as first; one large white ocellus contiguous with antennae, enclosed by shouldered gena; a few long genal bristles. Ventral mouth-parts slightly coriaceous, joints of maxillary palpi successively shorter, last slightly shorter than last labial; hypostomal edge often roughened; subfossular spine distinct; sutures diverging convex. Prothorax rectangular, hairy; pronotum little wider than long, posteriorly substriate to granulate, no median suture; sternum undifferentiated, rugulose, hairy, except for two glabrous shining spots; sternellar fold not passing spiracle, rather broadly fused into epipleurum. Mesonotum and metanotum finely alutaceous, bearing a transverse impression. Legs short, four-jointed, without tarsus equal to maxillary palpi. Abdomen: Dorsal ampullae rather narrow, alutaceous, two oblique lateral impressions connected anteriorly by a transverse one, skin behind ventral ampullae transversely wrinkled. Pleural discs distinct on first, second and third abdominals, faint on fourth. Spiracles oval, small, the last orbicular, peritreme thin, ochraceous. Adapted from Craighead (1923).
Biology and Economic Importance
- This species has been found only in Picea. The larva bores beneath the bark of dead trees, entering the wood to pupate, and completing the life cycle in one year. It causes much damage to rustic work in Maine and eastern Canada. Adapted from Craighead (1923).
Selected References to Larvae Specimens
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