Morphology of the head of Sericoderus lateralis (Coleoptera, Corylophidae) with comments on the effects of miniaturization

Abstract

The mouthparts and musculature of the head of Sericoderus lateralis are described. It is shown that the mouthparts of minute beetles preserve their complex structure and are not significantly affected by miniaturization. Such stability allows these features to be used in macrosystematics of groups with variable body size.