261] THE LA R VA E OF THE COCCJNELLIDA E—GA GE 29 



There is a great variation in the general structure of the larvae of the 

 Coccinellidae. This variation ranges from the phytophagous type found 

 in Epilachna to the extreme carnivorous type found in Scymnus and 

 Hyperaspis. The larvae of the family possessing the phytophagous type 

 of structure can very easily be mistaken for certain chrysomelid larvae 

 which they resemble in general shape and in the arrangement of their 

 scoli and pinacula, while those of the more carnivorous types might at 

 first glance be mistaken for chrysopid larvae. The coccinellid larvae may 

 be distinguished from this latter group by the development of the mandi- 

 bles which are not so prominent in the coccinellids. The mandibles of all 

 of the carnivorous coccinellids differ from those of the Chrysomelidae in 

 that they are not so broad and have a smaller number of dentes; while in 

 Epilachna they resemble very closely the chrysomelid mandibles. All 

 of the coccinellid larvae examined possess three ocelli on the lateral por- 

 tions of the head, while the chrysomelid larvae may possess from one to 

 six or none on each side. 



The Epilachninae are undoubtedly the most primitive type of coc- 

 cinellid larvae, a fact which is shown by their likeness to their chrysomelid 

 progenitors. Among the carnivorous coccinellids, Chilocorus is the most 

 primitive, while Hyperaspis, which is the farthest removed from the 

 chrysomelid larvae, shows the most specialized condition. 



SUBFAMILIES OF COCCINELLIDAE 



Epicranial suture present, epicranial stem extending one-half the dis- 

 tance from the occipital foramen to a line drawn through the anta- 

 coriae; clypeal suture present; antennae slender, more than three 

 times as long as wide; body with scoli Epilachninae 



Epicranial suture present or wanting, when present, the epicranial stem 

 never extending one-half the distance from the occipital foramen to 

 a line drawn through the antacoriae; clypeal suture never complete, 

 only indicated on each side; antennae short, never more than twice 

 as long as wide; body without scoli Coccinellinae 



EPILACHNINAE 



The body is elongate, oval to fusiform. The dorsal and lateral aspects 

 are armed with scoli, the sternum with strumae or chalazae, and the head 

 with a few long setae. The epicranial stem and epicranial arms are always 

 present; the clypeal suture is entire and distinct. The antennae are more 

 than three times as long as wide, inserted more than their own length 

 dorso-mesad of the precoila. Each mandible is heavily chitinized, its mola 

 not well developed, and the distal portion with several dentes of various 

 lengths, the distal dentes the longest. 



This subfamily is represented in North America by a single tribe, the 

 Epilachnini. Casey says, "This tribe is represented in the United States 



