SLIME-PRODUCTION IN MYCOPHAGOUS NITIDULIDAE (COLEOPTERA) INCLUDING A NEW SPECIES OF EUSPHAERIUS

Adult, larval, and pupal stages of the nitiduline nitidulid Eusphaeriu s lubricus sp. nov. from Peru are described. Larvae and adults feed on the external surfaces of a coral fungus (Ramaria sp.). Pupation occur s among host mycelia inside rotting logs. Larvae secrete a slimy, mucu s-like substance that covers the entire body except for the head, legs , and distal portions of the spiracular tubercles. This slimy substanc e appears to be secreted by large glands located in the dorsal and dor solateral portions in the body. Similar glands and secretions also occ ur in larvae of the North American nitiduline species Pallodes pallidu s Palisot de Beauvois, 1805. Possible functions of slime and informati on regarding the taxonomic status of Eusphaerius and its relatives are discussed.