Larval morphology of <i>Eophileurus chinensis</i> (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae), with discussions on their living strategies

Abstract Dynastinae are among the most diverse groups of scarab beetles, with body sizes ranging from 10 to 225 mm. People often focus on larger male beetles with prominent horns, while smaller species, particularly their larvae, are frequently overlooked. In this study, the final‐instar larvae of Eophileurus chinensis were observed and described using scanning electron microscopy. The larvae are notable for their coarse punctures on the head capsule, paired angular processes on the labrum, a prominent truncate process on the haptomerum, mandibles with a prominent left S4 tooth and a subtle right one, and thoracic claws flattened at the apex. This unique combination of traits distinguishes them from all previously described species. Additionally, the living strategies underlying their relatively small size and life history strategies were briefly discussed.