Taxonomic and Morphological Characteristics of the Sericostoma Italicum Moret. and Sericostoma Pedemontanum McL. Larvae

The morphological and taxonomic features which distinguish the fifth larval stage of Sericostoma italicum Moret. from that of Sericostoma pedemontanum McL. are shown in a table which facilitates distinction between the two species. S. italicum Moret. is endemic to Central Italy; S. pedemontanum McL., which is not accepted by all investigators, is found throughout Europe. Microscope studies on the sclerified parts of the head, thorax, legs and anal claws revealed a number of morphological characteristics which are more than sufficient for the differentiation of the larvae of these two species.