Diagnosis of the family
Staphylinidae is one of the largest families of beetles with about 50,000 described species which belong to more than 3,000 genera. Most staphylinids can be recognized by having short elytra, which do not cover 4 to 6 abdominal terga and large conical and contiguous procoxae. In Scaphidiinae, Dasycerinae and some Proteininae and Omaliinae the elytra cover most of the abdomen. Dasycerinae can be recognized by their lathridiid-like appearance and very slender antennae. Scaphydiinae have very characteristic convex body. Omaliinae usually have two ocelli (reduced in some genera).
Internet resources and major published works
- Internet resources:
- Staphylinid researchers with web presence
- Websites dedicated to Staphylinidae:
- Important publications on Staphylinidae:
- Morphology, phylogeny and classification
- Catalogues
- Revisions, descriptions and/or keys...
- ...arranged by region:
- ... arranged by subfamily:
- Larvae
Last updated: April 18, 2009