HOW TO KNOW THE IMMATURE INSECTS 



33b. Stridulating organ absent, or present as 

 teeth on dorsal inner margin of maxil- 

 lary stipites, usually working against a 

 granulate or striped area on central 

 side of mandibles; abdominal terga pli- 

 cate. Fig. 208 35 



"^f^lPu^AT,^* ^«'^ 



Fig. 208. A mesothorac- 

 ic leg. 



34a. Anus longitudinal between 2 large oval, often sclerotized pads at 

 end of body; metathoracic legs normal. 

 Figc 209 Family LUCANIDAE 



The family consists of around 900 spe- 

 cies. The adults are called stag beetles. 

 Their larvae live largely in decaying 

 wood. The larval stage lasts 4 to 6 years 

 to complete their development. Pupation 

 takes place in a cell formed of gnawed 

 wood fragments. Some species are very 



AMAt Pav' 



v^A^rAAi AM4C loee 



Fig. 209. Sinodendron eyl- 

 indricum. ' 



large. 



34b. Anus transverse; end of body different; metathoracic legs reduc- 

 ed and much shorter than mesothoracic legs. 

 Fig. 210 Family PASSALIDAE 



About 300 species have been described. It was 

 reported that the parent beetles stay with the lar- 

 vae and chew wood into a condition suitable for 

 their progeny. The metathoracic legs of the la#vae 

 are greatly modified and adapted to form an organ 

 which works across a striated area on the meso- 

 coxa, thus producing a squeaking noise. 



Passalus sp. 



87 



