DEVELOPMENT OF EPIERUS-DIVISUS MARSEUL (COLEOPTERA, HISTERIDAE)

The duration of all pre-imaginal stages of Epierus divisus Marseul was determined. This is the first developmental study for Epierus Erichso n. At 25 degrees C, the egg stage was completed in 10-12 days, that of the first instar larva in 8-15 days, the second instar in 6-8 days, t he prepupa in 7-8 days, and pupa in 10-12 days. Developmental rates of the subcortical E. divisus were compared directly to the dung/carrion -associated histerid Euspilotus assimilis (Paykull) and found to be si gnificantly longer for all developmental stages. Developmental rates o f E. divisus were also compared to developmental rates reported in the literature for several other species of histerids that develop in ass ociation with ephemeral systems.