Laboratory rearing of Hydrochus japonicus (Coleoptera: Hydrochidae) suggests larvae live at the water bottom |
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Authors: | Masakazu Hayashi Ryosuke Morimoto |
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Institution: | 1. Hoshizaki Green Foundation, Izumo, Japan;2. Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan |
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Abstract: | The aquatic larvae of the family Hydrochidae (Coleoptera) have been considered ‘mystery larvae’, because ecological knowledge about them is lacking. We discovered that Hydrochidae larvae (Hydrochus japonicus Sharp) are benthic via laboratory rearing. The larvae have a terminal spiracular atrium, but we did not observe them breathing at the water surface. The larvae fed on Naididae worms that were collected from the same habitat. |
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Keywords: | aquatic beetles Hydrophiloidea immature stage |
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