(
Dynastes hercules) are among the largest of any species of insect. '' sp. Within
Insects, only
Endopterygotes show complete metamorphosis, including a distinct larval stage. Several classifications have been suggested by many
entomologists, and the following classification is based on
Antonio Berlese classification in 1913. There are four main types of endopterygote larvae types: •
Apodous larvae – no legs at all and are poorly sclerotized. Based on
sclerotization. All Apocrita are apodous. Three
apodous forms are recognized. • Eucephalous – with well-sclerotized head capsule. Found in
Nematocera,
Buprestidae and
Cerambycidae families. • Hemicephalus – with a reduced head capsule, retractable into the thorax. Found in
Tipulidae and
Brachycera families. • Acephalus – without head capsule. Found in
Cyclorrhapha •
Protopod larvae – larvae have many different forms and often are unlike a normal insect form. They hatch from eggs which contain very little
yolk. E.g. first
instar larvae of parasitic hymenoptera. •
Polypod larvae – also known as
eruciform larvae, these larvae have abdominal
prolegs, in addition to usual thoracic legs. They are poorly sclerotized and relatively inactive. They live in close contact with their food. The best example is the
caterpillars of lepidopterans. •
Oligopod larvae – have well-developed head capsules and mouthparts that are similar to adult, but without compound eyes. They have six legs. No abdominal prolegs. Two types can be seen: • Campodeiform – well sclerotized, dorso-ventrally flattened body. Usually long-legged predators with
prognathous mouthparts. (lacewing, trichopterans, mayflies and some coleopterans). • Scarabeiform – poorly sclerotized, flat thorax and abdomen. Usually short-legged and inactive burrowing forms. (
Scarabaeoidea and other coleopterans). ==See also==