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.

The Scarabaeoidea is one of the largest superfamilies in the Coleoptera and includes approximately 2,200 genera and about 32,000 species worldwide. Scarabs have diversified into most habitats, and they are fungivores, herbivores, necrophages, coprophages, saprophages, and carnivores. Some scarabs exhibit various levels of parental care and sociality. Some are myrmecophilous or termitophilous. Many possess extravagant horns, others are able to roll into a compact ball, and still others are highly armored for inquiline life. Some are important agricultural pests that may destroy crops, while others are used in the biological control of dung and dung flies. Scarabaeoids are popular beetles due to their large size, bright colors, and interesting natural histories. Because of the popularity of the group, there exists an erroneous impression that the superfamily is taxonomically well known. However, even with a lengthy history of study, the group is in real need of continuing research. The papers in this volume cover a wide array of research topics on Scarabaeoidea, including evolutionary relationships, character trait evolution, species concepts, descriptions of new taxa, keys for identification, nomenclature, historical biogeography, methods, and basic life history information. These papers are a valuable contribution to our knowledge of scarabaeoids, and they will provide a foundation for future research.

Experts offer the most sweeping reference available on the subject of North American beetles. Their rigorous standards for the presentation of data create a concise, useful format that is consistent throughout the book. This is the resource of choice for quick, accurate, and easily accessible information.

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.

oblitum (Elateridae), Calopodinae Costa, 1852 nom. protectum over Sparedrinae Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Oedemeridae), Adesmiini Lacordaire, 1859 nom. protectum over Macropodini Agassiz, 1846 nom. oblitum (Tenebrionidae), Bolitophagini Kirby, 1837 nom. protectum over Eledonini Billberg, 1820 nom. oblitum (Tenebrionidae), Throscidae Laporte, 1840 nom. protectum over Stereolidae Rafinesque, 1815 nom. oblitum (Throscidae) and Lophocaterini Crowson, 1964 over Lycoptini Casey, 1890 nom. oblitum (Trogossitidae); Monotoma Herbst, 1799 nom. protectum over Monotoma Panzer, 1792 nom. oblitum (Monotomidae); Pediacus Shuckard, 1839 nom. protectum over Biophloeus Dejean, 1835 nom. oblitum (Cucujidae), Pachypus Dejean, 1821 nom. protectum over Pachypus Billberg, 1820 nom. oblitum (Scarabaeidae), Sparrmannia Laporte, 1840 nom. protectum over Leocaeta Dejean, 1833 nom. oblitum and Cephalotrichia Hope, 1837 nom. oblitum (Scarabaeidae).

Volume 1 in a three-volume series that represents a comprehensive treatment of the beetles of Australia.

In the introduction, Harpootlian states, ?This manual is intended primarily as a guide for identifying adult scarabs of South Carolina.? Scarab beetles of South Carolina covers what North Americans traditionally call ?scarabs,? omitting the scarabaeoid families Lucanidae and Passalidae. The book begins with a brief introduction to scarabs, the ecological regions of South Carolina, a scarab illustration with body parts labeled, and a checklist of species. Then it presents keys allowing the user to identify any species known to occur in South Carolina. The entire book is packed with varied illustrations of taxa and distinguishing characteristics which help make the keys user friendly. There is even a glossary of terms to aid the user. Most of the text is devoted to individual species accounts. These accounts are brief and include a synonymy, diagnosis, biology or comments, and distributions. Considering the fascinating biologies of some scarabs, the species accounts appear too brief. For many, however, that is the state of our knowledge. - from BioOne Complete review.