Characters of the larval of Mycetina cruciata (Schaller) (Coleoptera : Endomychidae) and their phylogenetic implications

Head structures, especially internal features of the larva of Mycetina cruc iata are described and discussed with respect to their functional and phylo genetic relevance. Spore masses are collected in the preoral chamber, mecha nically treated by the mandibular molae, diluted with secretions, and sucke d back by the unusually strong prepharyngeal and pharyngeal pumping apparat us. The presence of tube-like glands is a possible synapomorphy of all cucu jiform superfamilies. Posterior tentorial arms which are shifted anteriorly and separated from the tentorial bridge, thin and flattened dorsal tentori al arms, and reduced anterior arms are apomorphic features shared by larvae of Mycetina, Coccinella, Glischrochilus, and cleroid larvae. The origin of a strong bundle of M. tentoriostipitalis from the dorsal hypopharyngeal wa ll is another unusual derived character state shared by larvae of these tax a. Whether these structural affinities are due to a closer relationship bet ween Endomychidae, Coccinellidae, Nitidulidae, and Cleroidea, or due to par allelism is a matter of further investigation. Presumably derived external features of the head are shared by several genera of Endomychidae. They sug gest a closer relationship, between Mycetina, Aphorista, Amphix, Epipocinae (excluding Periptyctus), and Bystus (Anamorphinae). Larval characters are in conflict with the monophyly of Lycoperdininae and Epipocinae.