Megatominae, Leach, 1815

Seidel, Matthias, Arriaga-Varela, Emmanuel & Vondráček, Dominik, 2019, Abstracts of the Immature Beetles Meeting 2019 October 3 - 4, Prague, Czech Republic, Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae (Acta. Ent. Mus. Natl. Pragae) 59 (2), pp. 569-582 : 575

Megatominae larvae ( Dermestidae ) with major focus on evolution, morphology and ecological function of hastisetae

Enrico RUZZIER 1), Marcin KADEJ 2) & Andrea BATTISTI 1)

1) Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and the Environment (DAFNAE), Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy; e-mail: [e-mail] 2) Department of Invertebrate Biology, Evolution and Conservation, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland

Hastisetae are a specific group of detachable setae characterizing Megatominae larvae ( Coleoptera : Dermestidae ). These setae, located on both thoracic and abdominal tergites, apparently evolved as primary defense of the larva against invertebrate predators. According to the limited observations available these setae act as mechanical obstacle, entangling cuticular structures (spines and hairs) and body appendages (antennae, legs and mouthparts) of the predator; it has been observed however that this kind of hairs may affect vertebrates as well. Although information on the impacts of vertebrate predators of the beetles is lacking, hastisetae have been shown to be a threat for human health as contaminant of stored products (food and fabric), work and living environment. This presentation wants to offer a short review of the present knowledge on Megatominae larvae, highlighting in particular the link between the evolution of hastisetae, larval biology and biological success of the Megatominae . Furthermore, will be presented and discussed future research perspectives intended to fill the existing knowledge gaps.