Larval morphology and breeding behavior of the genus Pedaridium harold (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae)

The third-instar larva and breeding behavior of Pedaridium almeidai Pereira and P. brasiliensis Ferreira & Galileo are described using material collec ted at Sao Paulo, Brazil, and, the third-instar larva of P. adisi (Ratcliff e) is redescribed. The most important morphological characteristics for lar val stages are found in the egipharynx, the setation of the venter of the l ast abdominal segment, the endoskeletal lines of the anal lobes, the mandib les, and the respiratory plate of the thoracic spiracle. A key to the known larvae of the genus Pedaridium is also provided. Results show that P. alme idai is more similar to P. adisi than P. brasiliensis. The presence/absence of stridulatory areas on the mandibles, the form of the frontal suture, th e form of the sensorial area of the antennae. the form of the molar and sci ssorial areas of the mandibles, and the different size and form of the laci nia suggest a possible polyphyly of the genus Pedaridium. Results confirm t he endocoprid breeding behavior of Pedaridium, which together with Trichill um, represents the most primitive breeding pattern of Scarabaeinae. In the species studied, there is neither food relocation nor blood ball constructi on. This primitive breeding behavior implies exploitation without modificat ion or relocation of the resource. Possible kleptoparasitism was observed i n P. brasiliensis.