AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

Taxonomic revision of Lichnanthe Burmeister with studies on the biology of L. rathvoni (Leconte) (Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae)

by David Craig Carlson




Institution: Oregon State University
Department: Entomology
Degree: PhD
Year: 1976
Record ID: 1533908
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/43797


Abstract

The genus Lichnanthe Burmeister contains eight extant and one fossil species which are strictly nearctic in distribution. The subfamily Glaphyrinae, however, is distributed nearly world-wide. Five species were previously described and three are described as new herein. All eight extant species are described in detail herein, synonomies are made current, and lectotypes are designated for three species. The generic and subfamilial relationships of Lichnanthe and the Glaphyrinae are reviewed and discussed. In particular, the nomenclatorial status of several genera structurally similar to Lichnanthe are considered since these relate to the correct application of generic concepts within the subfamily. An artificial key to the genera of the Glaphyrini is presented and a key to the species of Lichnanthe is also included. Biological studies of L. rathvoni Le Conte were conducted in an attempt to elucidate several features of the biology of this species. The biological literature on this species is reviewed and additional observations are discussed. The primary objective of these studies was to investigate the temporal and spatial stability of color morph frequencies in populations of L. rathvoni. Secondly, tests were made to determine if mating was panmictic with respect to color, or if mate selection occurred. Mating proved to be panmictic with respect to color with orange and yellow morphs, but negatively assortative with black morphs.