A remarkable teratological case in Carabus violaceus L. (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from Poland

Abstract

Background and purpose: Teratological cases in insects can be of different characteristic, quite often they are bifurcations, for example of antennal segments or parts of the legs. The aim of this paper is to report a remarkable case of leg duplication in Carabus violaceus L.

Materials and methods: In the context of an interdisciplinary monitoring in the frame of a conservation project on the European bison (Bison bonasus (L.)) in Poland the carabid fauna (Carabidae) on areas grazed by this species was studied using pitfall traps in the Pszczyna forest, located in Silesia Province, to the south of the town Tychy. The traps were located inside a mixed fresh coniferous forest, with domination of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.).

Results: Among the carabids gathered a remarkable teratological female specimen of the species Carabus violaceus L. with repeated anatomical duplications on the right front leg was collected.

Conclusions: The repeated incident of bifurcation suggest a genetic base of the teratology. An increased rate of teratological cases may have potential as bioindicator.