FIRST-INSTAR LARVAE, COURTSHIP AND OVIPOSITION IN ELETICA - AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF THE MELOIDAE (COLEOPTERA, TENEBRIONOIDEA)

The first data are presented on larvae, oviposition, and mating behavi our in the Eleticinae, the most primitive subfamily of Meloidae. Taxa studied include two African species of Electica. Larval descriptions o f E. rubripennis and E.wahlbergi are presented, as well as observation s of oviposition in E.rubripennis and of courtship leading to copulati on in E.wahlbergi. The placement of eggs under bark and the absence of a triungulin larva in both species are unique for the family. They re present plesiotypic traits found in other groups of Tenebrionoidea.