Description of the first-instar larvae of two Turanian–European species of Meloe updating the systematics of the genus (Coleoptera: Meloidae: Meloini)

The first-instar larvae of two species of Meloidae from the steppe zone of Russia, Meloe aeneus and M. reitteri, are described. The affinities and morphological differences between these larvae and those of the subgenera Eurymeloe, Micromeloe and Lampromeloe are discussed. The triungulin of M. aeneus shows great similarities with that of the subgenus Lampromeloe, and especially with an undescribed species from Iran, in terms of the characteristic phoretic spiniform setae of the head adapted for phoresy, and also with larvae of the subgenus Micromeloe in the general shape of the body and several other characteristics. The systematic position of M. aeneus and of allied species from Iran suggests that they may belong to an undescribed subgenus rather than to Eurymeloe. A key to the first-instar larva of the subgenus Micromeloe is provided.