BIOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT AND LARVAL CHARACTERS OF OXYPORUS MAJOR (COLEOPTERA, STAPHYLINIDAE)

Known aspects of the life history and habits of Oxyporus major are des cribed, based on material collected in the field and reared in the lab oratory. Adults inhabit mature basidiocarps of a variety of fungi, inc luding Stropharia hardii, Lepiota acutaesquamosa, and Armillaria spp. Two cases of oviposition and larval development in S. hardii are descr ibed. Development of O. major is very rapid, with progression from egg s or early larval instars to adults in 13-15 days at 21-23 degrees C. Female protection of oviposition sites is suggested by field observati ons. The mature larva of O. major is described and illustrated.