Notes on mating and oviposition of a primitive representative of the higher Forficulina, Apachyus chartaceus de Haan (Insecta: Dermaptera: Apachyidae)

Mating, oviposition, and selected details of the egg surface in the basalmost clade of the higher Forficulina, Apachyidae, were described, using Apachyus chartaceus (de Haan, 1842) as a representative. The mating of A. chartaceus is of the endtoend type with the partners being dorsoventrally reversed. Throughout copulation, the male tightly holds the female's postabdomen using his forceps. This manner of mating is unique in Dermaptera, likely autapomorphic to Apachyidae, and perhaps correlated with life under bark. The eggs of A. chartaceus have an adhesive substance, by which they attach to the substratum; this is also found in basal Forficulina but is uniquely plesiomorphic for higher Forficulina. A. chartaceus does not show intensive maternal care; this is overall a secondary condition or may be accidentally caused under rearing, while the absence of some aspects of brood care (especially transport of eggs) is more likely plesiomorphic. Apachyus thus shows a mixture of unique apomorphic features and features that are uniquely plesiomorphic for higher Forficulina.