Studie ústních orgánů Malacodermat. Studies on the Mouth organs of Malcodermata

Abstract: During this research work I have conducted a systematic study of the mouth organs of all genera belonging to the group of Malacodermata, as far as they belong to the fauna of our country. For the sake of control some representative of foreign genera and some larvae have been studied.As a result of this work I made some interesting discoveries: The mouth organs of this group are developed along similar lines – they belong to one type. The labrum is usually rectangular and elongated and the systematic differences lie in a groove at the anterior part of the labrum. The mandibulae also present a similar type and nearly all genera have them sickle-shaped with a more or less sharp point. The most striking marks have developed on the maxillar and labial palpae. The connecting link between the different families vary considerably and the most striking morphological difference can be seen on the terminal segments of both palpae. A new and interesting contribution to the knowledge of this group is the fact that the mouth organs of the familly Lampyridae are well developed – not attrophied as has been supposed. The mouth organs of the Lampyridae have not been found up till now owing to the fact that the position of the head is hypognatic. Thus the narrow apperture is underneath, not visible by naked eye and the controll is rendered difficult. Besides the mouth organs of this familly are approximately of the same size as the mouth organs of other Malacodermata of same size.The different parts are in the Malacodermata group well developed and between some of the genera there is sometimes a difference in the developement of the palpae. We may say that the mouth organs present many features which may identify groups or even genera and which can thus supplement the systematic marks. In many cases we are able to use them when studying the phylogenetical age and the constancy of developement of certain genera and species.

Key words: Cleridae, Lycidae, Coleoptera, Malacodermata, mouthparts, morphology, Omalisidae, Lampyridae, Drillidae, Cantharidae, Melyridae, Dasytidae, Cleridae,