Question

Campodeiform larva has how many pairs of abdominal legs

• A. Five
• B. Four
• C. Eight
• D. Zero

Hint:

Remember the prefixes: Poly = Many legs (Caterpillar), Oligo = Few/Thoracic only (Campodeiform), A = Absent (Grubs/Maggots). Campodeiform = Predator = Needs to run fast on 6 legs only.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Insects with complete metamorphosis (Holometabola) have larval stages that vary greatly in morphology based on their lifestyle and feeding habits.
Larval types are classified into four main categories based on the presence and type of legs: Protopod, Polypod, Oligopod, and Apodus.
Detailed Explanation:
Campodeiform Larva:
This type belongs to the "Oligopod" category, meaning "few legs."
They are characterized by an elongated, flattened body and well-developed thoracic legs.
They are usually active, fast-moving, and predatory in nature.
Crucially, campodeiform larvae possess three pairs of functional legs located on the thorax, but they completely lack prolegs (abdominal legs).
Examples include the larvae of lacewings (Neuroptera) and many beetles (Coleoptera) such as ladybird beetles and carabid beetles.
Comparison with other types:
- Eruciform Larva: (Polypod) Like caterpillars, these have 3 pairs of thoracic legs and usually 5 pairs of abdominal prolegs.
- Apodus Larva: (No legs) Like maggots or grubs, they lack legs entirely.
Since campodeiform larvae are oligopodous, the count of their abdominal legs is zero.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Campodeiform larvae have zero pairs of abdominal legs.