Determination of the Morphometric Characteristics of Larval Instars in the Sap Beetle Urophorus humeralis (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

Effective integrated pest management (IPM) relies on precise knowledge of pest developmental biology, particularly the identification of larval instars, which is fundamental for predicting population dynamics and timing control interventions. This study established a morphometric framework for the larval staging of a sap beetle pest infesting pear orchards. Specimens were collected and reared under laboratory conditions, with their identity confirmed as <i>Urophorus humeralis</i> through integrated morphological and molecular (<i>COI</i> barcoding) analysis. To determine the number of larval instars, head capsule width (HCW), inter-antennal distance (IAD), and inter-caudal distance (ICD) were measured. Frequency distribution analysis and validation using Dyar's rule via linear regression revealed three distinct larval instars. Head capsule width was identified as the most reliable and consistent morphological character for instar discrimination. This study reports for the first time the infestation of pear fruits by <i>U. humeralis</i> and provides detailed morphometric criteria for larval staging, delivering essential baseline data for the biology of Nitidulidae and a scientific basis for developing stage-specific pest management strategies.