The Phylogenetic Position of the Strepsiptera as Determined by the First Larva

Abstract

In all of his studies in the interesting order Strepsiptera the writer has contended that the order bears little, beyond the superficial, resemblance to the Coleoptera, the only other insect order with metathoracic wings. There are many important characters to bear out this contention : the first larva, the pupariate development, the structure of the thorax; the structure of the eyes, the nervous system, etc. As time permits the arguments will be presented on each of these points, for it appears that there are still students who regard Strepsiptera and Coleoptera as from the same phylogenetic stem.