191' 



Phytogeny of the Elateridce 



257 



The tribe Melanotini is characterized in the larval stage 

 (Fig. 9) by having the ninth abdominal segment dorso- 

 ventrally compressed caudad and ending in three lobes. The 

 adults are easily recognized by the pectinate tarsal claws, 

 being the only tribe in the subfamily in which this character 

 is present. 



Fig. 9. 



Melanotus sp. a, dorsal aspect of larva; b, ventral aspect of 8th, 9th 

 and 10th abdominal segments; c, ventral aspect of head; d, ventral 

 aspect of left mandible; e, nasale and front; f, antenna; g, lateral 

 aspect of 8th, 9th and 10th abdominal segments. 



