POSTEMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT OF LITHOBIUS-VALIDUS MEINERT (CHILOPODA, LITHOBIIDAE)

Five larval (L) and 9 post-larval (PL) stadia have been identified in the post-embryonic development of Lithobius validus MEINERT, 1872 (Lit hobiidae); specimens caught in nature in Slovenia, as well as those la boratory-reared, were studied. The changes in morphological character currently in use for species identification were followed during devel opment. The characters distinguishing different stadia of the same spe cies are described, as well as those by which the species are mutually distinguished. The larval stadia of L. validus have a different numbe r of legs and antennal articles, but there is only a small difference in body size, and no difference in the number of ocelli. The postlarva l stadia are recognized by the number of coral pores, ocelli, setae on the genital sternites and gonopods, forcipular teeth, body size and s pinulation on legs. Comparison of the same stadia reveals that the spe cimens of L. validus are larger than those of L. forficatus (LINNE). B oth species are also distinguished by the number of antennal articles up to L3, teeth on the forcipular coxosternite up to L1, and the prese nce of posterior projections on tergites 6, 7 up to L3.