Ovariole Numbers in Coleoptera

A list of ovariole numbers in 329 species in 45 families of Coleoptera is presented of which about one-third are determinations made by the author. The polytrophic Adephaga have a. range of 4–40 ovarioles, the acrotrophic Polyphaga, 1–200 ovarioles, The Coprinae (Scarabaeidae) are the only group containing a single ovary. A few families such as the Curculiomdae contain nearly a uniform number of ovarioles. The work is briefly discussed from the viewpoint of taxonomy, evolution, and fecundity. It is suggested that ovariole numbers may be of aid to taxonomists; that multiplication, reduction, and stabilization of ovariole numbers have occurred in the evolution of beetles; and that extremes in ovariole number may reflect extremes in the level of egg production.