Larva, Cucujus clavipes

Like the adults, the larvae of family Cucujidae are flattened for life under bark.

Some other traits to look for in Cucujid larvae:

• Head not retracted; mouthparts pointing forward
• Head as wide as the prothorax, or wider
• Mandibles with three apical teeth
• Long antennae with three antennomeres
• Prominent, five-segmented legs, widely spaced
• Color reddish brown to yellowish
• Few setae

For more information on the morphology of the larvae, see Michael C. Thomas’ treatment of the family in American Beetles (2002).

Larvae are reportedly predaceous, but few life history studies of the Cucujidae have been made.

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Insects of West Virginia