This monograph presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the hyperdiverse Neotropical beetle genus Operclipygus Marseul. Operclipygus occurs almost throughout the Americas, but there are few species that extend beyond the diverse tropical regions.ÿ The genus was originally defined very narrowly, for just a single unusual species (the type species O. sulcistrius). However, evolutionary considerations have led to a much broader conception of the genus, and it is now one of the largest in the entire family Histeridae, containing 177 species. In this paper 138 species are described as new. Identification keys are presented to allow identification of all the species, and most species are illustrated by color photographs and drawings of diagnostic characteristics. Natural history details for species of Operclipygus are scant, as most specimens have been collected through the use of passive flight interception traps. They are known to be predaceous, and many are probably generally associated with decaying vegetation and leaf litter, where they prey on small arthropods. But a small proportion are known to be inquilines, living in symbiotic relationships with social insects such as ants and termites, and also with some burrowing mammals, such as Tuco-tucos.

This monograph presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Baconia Lewis (Histeridae: Histerinae: Exosternini). Previously, Baconia contained 27 species. We move four species into Baconia from other genera, and describe 85 species as new, bringing the total to 116 species. Identification keys are presented to allow identification of all the species, and most species are illustrated by color photographs and drawings of diagnostic characteristics. The species mainly occur in the Neotropical region. But several species are known from the U.S., and there are even species occurring in eastern and southeastern Asia. Many of the species of Baconia exhibit brilliant metallic coloration, a feature of as yet unknown significance. Many are also strongly flat-tened, an adaptation for a life under the bark of dead trees, where they are believed mainly to prey on bark beetles and their larvae.

This book is a revised edition of the first of three volumes in the Handbook of Zoology series which treats the systematics and biology of Coleoptera. With over 380,000 described species, Coleoptera are by far the most species-rich order of insects and the largest group of animals of comparable geological age. Moreover, numerous species are tremendously important economically. The beetle volumes meet the demand of modern biologists seeking to answer questions about Coleoptera phylogeny, evolution, and ecology. This first Coleoptera volume covers the suborders Archostemata, Myxophaga and Adephaga, and the basal series of Polyphaga, with information on world distribution, biology, morphology of all life stages, phylogeny and comments on taxonomy.

Beetles are the largest and most studied order of insects, some of which are beneficial as biological control agents. Alphabetically lists all species and subspecies of beetles known to Canada and Alaska under their respective genus-group names. Includes a brief introduction for every family treated and an index to all supraspecific names.

Forensic Entomology deals with the use of insects and other arthropods in medico legal investigations. We are sure that many people know this or a similar definition, maybe even already read a scientific or popular book dealing with this topic. So, do we really need another book on Forensic Entomology? The answer is 13, 29, 31, 38, and 61. These are not some golden bingo numbers, but an excerpt of the increasing amount of annual publications in the current decade dealing with Forensic Entomology. Comparing them with 89 articles which were published d- ing the 1990s it illustrates the growing interest in this very special intersection of Forensic Science and Entomology and clearly underlines the statement: Yes, we need this book because Forensic Entomology is on the move with so many new things happening every year. One of the most attractive features of Forensic Entomology is that it is multid- ciplinary. There is almost no branch in natural science which cannot find its field of activity here. The chapters included in this book highlight this variety of researches and would like to give the impetus for future work, improving the dev- opment of Forensic Entomology, which is clearly needed by the scientific com- nity. On its way to the courtrooms of the world this discipline needs a sound and serious scientific background to receive the acceptance it deserves.

This book is the first of four volumes in the Handbook of Zoology series which treat the systematics and biology of Coleoptera. With approximately 350,000 described species, Coleoptera are by far the most species-rich order of insects and the largest group of animals of comparable geological age. The beetle volumes will meet the demand of modern biologists seeking to answer questions about Coleoptera phylogeny, evolution, and ecology. This first Coleoptera volume covers the suborders Archostemata, Myxophaga and Adephaga, and the basal series of Polyphaga, with information on world distribution, biology, morphology of all life stages (including anatomy), phylogeny and comments on taxonomy.

"NRC Monograph Publishing Program"--T.p. verso.