An unusual adult stage: post-imaginal development in a termite-associated rove beetle (Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae, Corotocini)

Author(s)

Moreno, Carlos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ZOOMORPHOLOGY; v. 144, n. 1, p. 11-pg., 2025-04-01.

Abstract

Termitophiles are organisms completely dependent on termites, completing at least part of their life cycle within the termite colony. In the subfamily Aleocharinae (Staphylinidae), the tribe Corotocini, which is exclusively composed of termitophilous species, exhibits extreme body modifications. After eclosion from the pupal chamber, and once finding a suitable host colony, these beetles undergo a phenomenon known as post-imaginal growth (PMG), a critical developmental stage, especially within this tribe. This study provides a detailed examination of PMG in Xenogaster pilosula Seevers, an obligatory termitophilous species, highlighting the gradual morphological changes that occur after the pupal stage. By analyzing specimens collected at various developmental stages, a theoretical continuum of PMG, consisting of seven distinct phases, is proposed. These phases are characterized by observable changes, including the expansion of the abdomen, secondary sclerotization, and genital maturation. Notably, the development of abdominal struts and the gradual sclerotization of the male genitalia, a feature not previously documented in Aleocharinae, are described. Additionally, the second sternite and thoracic structures undergo secondary sclerotization, which strengthens the structural integrity necessary to support the enlarged abdomen. This study also explores the implications of PMG for species identification, emphasizing the challenges posed by working with stenogastric specimens. The presence of well-developed wings in stenogastric individuals suggests that flight may play a role in locating host colonies, though further research is needed. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of PMG, offering new insights into trait evolution, species identification, and life history strategies in termitophilous beetles. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/14925-8 - Cophylogeny and phylogeography of the termitophilous subtribe Termitogastrina Bernhauer & Scheerpeltz, 1926 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae, Corotocini) and their termite hosts (Blattodea: Isoptera)
• Grantee: Carlos Moreno Pires Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate