Dilaridae are a distinctive and phylogenetically ambiguous neuropteran family.So far,the anatomy of the immature stages remains largely unknown.We examined the 1st instar larvae of Dilar montanus in detail and present...Dilaridae are a distinctive and phylogenetically ambiguous neuropteran family.So far,the anatomy of the immature stages remains largely unknown.We examined the 1st instar larvae of Dilar montanus in detail and present results of live observations for the first time.The minute,cryptic larvae display features correlated with their underground lifestyle:for instance,a strongly flattened head,stout antennae,eyelessness,and burrowing forelegs.In contrast to molecular data,several characters suggest a‘dilarid clade’combining Dilaridae with Mantispoidea,for instance a very thin and curved or reduced tentorial bridge,and an elongated postmentum.We found intrinsic antennal muscles and Johnston's organ,the first record of these structures in holometabolous larvae.This proves that the first 2 larval antennomeres are homologous with the scapus and pedicellus.The described characters are discussed and analyzed with an updated matrix of neuropteran larval characters.Alternative scenarios of character evolution are presented.Additionally,we show how the 1st-instar larvae move and feed in the substrate,and also provide a high-resolution video recording of the function of the elongate tubular ovipositor and the egg-laying behavior in an adult female under natural conditions.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32130012,31972871)the 2115 Talent Development Program of China Agricultural University,the Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Project of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment,China(2019HJ2096001006)the China Scholarship Council for the financial support of Di Li's study at FSU.
文摘Dilaridae are a distinctive and phylogenetically ambiguous neuropteran family.So far,the anatomy of the immature stages remains largely unknown.We examined the 1st instar larvae of Dilar montanus in detail and present results of live observations for the first time.The minute,cryptic larvae display features correlated with their underground lifestyle:for instance,a strongly flattened head,stout antennae,eyelessness,and burrowing forelegs.In contrast to molecular data,several characters suggest a‘dilarid clade’combining Dilaridae with Mantispoidea,for instance a very thin and curved or reduced tentorial bridge,and an elongated postmentum.We found intrinsic antennal muscles and Johnston's organ,the first record of these structures in holometabolous larvae.This proves that the first 2 larval antennomeres are homologous with the scapus and pedicellus.The described characters are discussed and analyzed with an updated matrix of neuropteran larval characters.Alternative scenarios of character evolution are presented.Additionally,we show how the 1st-instar larvae move and feed in the substrate,and also provide a high-resolution video recording of the function of the elongate tubular ovipositor and the egg-laying behavior in an adult female under natural conditions.
