DESCRIPTION OF THE MATURE LARVAE OF 3 HOPLITIS (HYMENOPTERA, APOIDEA,MEGACHILIDAE)

The mature larvae of three species of Hoplitis, namely Hoplitis anceyi (Perez), Hoplitis anthodemnion Michener, and Hoplitis nitidula (Moraw itz), are described and compared with the other known larvae in the ge nus. The morphology of the spiracles, antennal discs, and antennal pap illae, the absence of a seta on the mandibular basis, and the shape of the vertex permit the characterization of each species. Furthermore, H. anthodemnion has the integument covered by setiform spicules. Never theless, there is no clear separation between the three species studie d and those previously known, and larval morphology does not support t he consideration of Anthocopa and Hoplitis as separate genera.