Monotoma
Herbst, 1793
Monotoma is a of small in the , first described by Herbst in 1793. The genus contains numerous distributed across multiple continents. At least one species, Monotoma testacea, has been reared in laboratory conditions, revealing a rapid of 34–42 days from to . The genus is divided into subgenera, with morphological differences in larval proposed as diagnostic characters.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Monotoma: /məˈnɒtoʊmə/
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Images
Habitat
Decomposing matter. This association is documented for Monotoma testacea and may apply to other in the .
Distribution
Records from Denmark, Norway, Sweden (GBIF); described from Europe, North America, Africa, Madagascar, and Asia. Global distribution with concentration in temperate regions.
Diet
Baker's yeast accepted in laboratory rearing of Monotoma testacea; natural diet presumed to include materials associated with decomposing matter.
Life Cycle
with documented stages for Monotoma testacea: (5–6 days), three larval (L1: 2–3 days, L2: 3–5 days, L3: 2–5 days), (12–13 days, immovable), (7–10 days). Total development 34–42 days. Female : 1–5 eggs daily, averaging ~1.5 eggs per day, with total lifetime production of 57–94 eggs.
More Details
Subgeneric classification
Monotoma is divided into subgenera including Monotoma (s. str.) and Monotoma (Gyrocecis). Larval setal differs between subgenera: simple pointed characterize Monotoma (s. str.), while setae characterize Monotoma (Gyrocecis).
Larval morphology
First of Monotoma testacea possess an arrow- of coarse asperities on the frontal region, hypothesized to function as an -burster. This structure is absent in second and third instars. Minor differences in setal number and pattern exist between larval instars.