Nematodes penetrans (LeConte, 1852)

Otto, Robert L., 2017, Eucnemid larvae of the Nearctic Region. Part VII: Description of the larvae of Nematodes penetrans (LeConte, 1852) (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Macraulacinae: Nematodini), with notes on its hypermetamorphic life cycle, Insecta Mundi 2017 (545), pp. 1-9 : 2-3

Nematodes penetrans (LeConte, 1852)

Larval diagnosis. Larvae of N. penetrans can be distinguished from Isorhipis Boisduval and Lacordaire and Melasis Olivier larvae by the absence of annulets or pseudosegments between each abdominal segment. Presence of mesothoracic sclerome, along with microtrichial patches will further distinguish N. penetrans from larvae of Isorhipis and Melasis . The species can be distinguished from illustrated larvae of Hylochares nigricornis (Say) ( Peterson 1951) by its prothoracic scleromes, that being T-shaped in N. penetrans and circular in H. nigricornis . Furthermore, N. penetrans can also be distinguished from Dirrhagofarsus ernae Otto, Muona and McClarin by its microtrichial patches on both mesothoracic and metathoracic segments, as well as the absence of microtrichial patch on the ninth abdominal terga. Presence of areole on both the dorsum and tergum of abdominal segment IX will also distinguish N. penetrans from D. ernae .

Specimens examined. Eight larvae and indeterminate number of triungulins collected at USA: Wisconsin: Oconto County, Rueckert’s private property, T29 N R17 E sec 16, 10 April 2007, 22 April 2007, 9 April 2009, Robert L. Otto, in maple (3 5th instars, 2 prepupal larval stages) ; Oconto County, Suring , 9–12 June 2007, Robert L. Otto, reared from eggs laid by adults (triungulins) ; Oconto County, Jeff Otto property, 44°59.075’N, 88°28.725’E, 5 April 2015, leg. Robert L. Otto, in rotten Acer limb (3 prepupal larval stages) .