Morphology of mature larva, bionomics and life cycle of Attalus (Attalus) elongatulus (Coleoptera: Malachiidae)

Abstract: The morphological structure of mature larvae of Attalus (Attalus) elongatulus Lewis, 1895 as well as its bionomics and life cycle are described for the first time. In the family Malachiidae, an univoltine life cycle is newly disclosed, and the sclerites on the larval abdominal tergites are discovered for the first time in this study. The microhabitat of A. elongatulus remains insufficiently explored, although the adults were found on the plants of cliff-lined coasts such as Pittosporaceae and Lauraceae. Two overwintering mature larvae were found on the rocks on the seashore. It is suggested that this species locally inhabits the warm microclimatic zones with a rich flora along cliff-lined coasts dispersed within the temperate zone of Japan.

Key words: Coleoptera, Cleroidea, Malachiidae, Attalini, developmental period, larva, microhabitat, morphology, voltinism, Japan