Journal of Entomological Science (2020) 55, 405-415

Na Li, Lei Wu, Yongxin Geng, Danfeng Wei and Min Chen (2020)
Determination of larval instars of Semanotus bifasciatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) based on frequency distributions of morphological variables
Journal of Entomological Science 55 (3), 405-415
Abstract: Semanotus bifasciatus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is one of the most destructive pests of Platycladus trees in China. Morphological measurements, such as head capsule (HC) width, can be very useful and practical indicators for identifying larval instars of coleopteran species. In this study, six morphological variables, including HC width, pronotum width, mandible length and width, and body length and width were measured to determine the instars of field-collected larvae of S. bifasciatus. Both the HC width and pronotum width were reliable parameters for determining the instar and stage. Larvae of S. bifasciatus were divided into eight instars; we detected strong relationships between larval instar and both the HC width (R² = 0.9640) and pronotum width (R² = 0.9549). The ranges of body widths and lengths for each instar are provided as reference values for distinguishing among larval stages in field investigations.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Semanotus bifasciatus	Platycladus (genus)