We call these larvae pilidium megadoma because their episphere is very large and dome-like. The following characters will identify your larva to species:

Episphere dome-shaped. Juvenile develops at an angle and is positioned toward the larval posterior. Advanced juveniles have two small eyes and a caudal cirrus.

Episphere dome-shaped. Juvenile develops at an angle and is positioned toward the larval posterior. Advanced juveniles have two small eyes and a caudal cirrus.

Episphere pyramid-like, with floppy anterior and posterior lobes. Juvenile develops directly between lobes and immediately anterior of lappets.

Episphere pyramid-like, with floppy anterior and posterior lobes. Juvenile develops directly between lobes and immediately anterior of lappets.

Episphere is pyramid-like, but widens to a point at either lobe. Juvenile develops between lobes and bears circular lipid granules at the posterior.

Episphere is pyramid-like, but widens to a point at either lobe. Juvenile develops between lobes and bears circular lipid granules at the posterior.

Episphere taller than wide.  Juvenile situated between anterior and posterior lobes. 

Episphere taller than wide.  Juvenile situated between anterior and posterior lobes. 


General larval morphology = hat - shaped

Pilidial characters = large episphere without spots