Studies of the Life Cycle of the Drilid Beetle, Selasia unicolor Gruerin (Coleoptera-Driildae) and Development of its Larval, Predatory Activities on Nigerian Edible Land Snails.

Authors

  • Omidiji M. O. Owode Housing Estate, (Extension), Apata Ibadan
  • Amusan J. A. No. 5,Ogunkoya Close, Off Adefuwa Street, Challenge Ibadan.

Keywords:

Predator; instars; metamorphism; drilid beetle; Selasia unicolor

Abstract

The life cycle and behavior of the drilid beetle on edible land snails in Nigeria was studied to ascertain the true identity of both the predator and adult. The predator is the larval stage of the beetle, now correctly identified as Selasia unicolor (Gruerin). The larval development from egg to adult takes about four (4) months, having sequentiallyconsumedsix(6)snailsofeitherArchachatinamarginata,Achatinafulica orLimicolariaspin the process. The larva at full maturity emerged either as winged male or wingless female. All the instar larvae were morphologically similar in appearance, but increasing in size as it grew older into full maturity, which preys on its last snail host to emerge as the adult drilid beetle, Selasia unicolor and not a carabid beetle as previously conjectured.

Author Biographies

Omidiji M. O., Owode Housing Estate, (Extension), Apata Ibadan

Owode Housing Estate, (Extension), Apata Ibadan

Amusan J. A., No. 5,Ogunkoya Close, Off Adefuwa Street, Challenge Ibadan.

No. 5,Ogunkoya Close, Off Adefuwa Street, Challenge Ibadan.

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Published

2023-11-23

How to Cite

Omidiji, M. O., & Amusan, J. . A. (2023). Studies of the Life Cycle of the Drilid Beetle, Selasia unicolor Gruerin (Coleoptera-Driildae) and Development of its Larval, Predatory Activities on Nigerian Edible Land Snails. Moor Journal of Agricultural Research, 18(1). Retrieved from https://iart.gov.ng/moorjournal/index.php/mjar/article/view/71

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2017): Volume 18 Number 1 2017 edition of MJAR

Section

Animal Science