Comparative morphology and evolution of the funnel warts of larval Lymantriidae (Lepidoptera)

The larval funnel warts of 14 species of Lymantriidae (tussock moths) were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy. The smaller, paired osmeteria on other abdominal segments were also inspected in four of the sp ecies. It seems that the bilaterally symmetrical funnel warts have develope d by fusion of two smaller, single osmeteria. Based on the morphological fi ndings from surface views and inside views of the structures, we made an at tempt to reconstruct the pathway of evolution of the funnel warts. The high degree of specific modifications of the funnel warts appears valuable for analyses of the phylogenetic relationship of the investigated species. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.