The debris-cloaking larva of Catapotia laevissima and the origin of defensive strategies in Anamorphidae and other Coccinelloidea (Coleoptera)

Debris-cloaking, a method of concealment with material collected from the environment, has evolved repeatedly with the purpose of avoiding detection in adults or immatures of various invertebrates including beetles. Fungus beetles in the family Anamorphidae (Coccinelloidea) are small-sized spore feeders of predominantly surface-dwelling habits. Debris-cloaking has been reported only for two genera in the family and nowhere else in Coccinelloidea. Here we report debris-cloaking behaviour in larvae of the Neotropical beetle genus Catapotia, describe its larvae, and compare it to confamilials. We summarise the knowledge on the defensive mechanisms and the natural history traits for members of the coccinellid group of Coccinelloidea. Possible evolutionary origins for the defensive mechanism are reconstructed on the basis of available phylogenetic hypotheses. Groups containing species with a larger body size also have a higher number of defensive strategies in larvae and adults; these include members of Endomychidae and Coccinellidae that exhibit reflex bleeding, aposematic colouration, and gregarious behaviour. Debris-cloaking has likely evolved only once, in the comparatively small-sized Anamorphidae.

Automated summary

Debris-cloaking, a method of concealment used by invertebrates such as beetles to avoid detection, has been observed in larvae of the Neotropical beetle genus Catapotia. This behavior has only been reported in the Anamorphidae family of Coccinelloidea. The study also provides a summary of the defensive mechanisms and natural history traits of coccinellids in Coccinelloidea.