BookOliver Betz, Ulrich Irmler, Jan Klimaszewski, editors.
Summary: "Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) are common elements of the soil biota, living in the litter and deeper soil layers. Although they are one of the most diverse and speciose groups of insects, no comprehensive books on their general evolution and ecology are as yet available. This book fills that gap, discussing significant aspects and active research examples in the fields of phylogeny and systematics, ecology and conservation, and reproduction and development. The combination of review chapters and case studies provides an excellent introduction to the biology of rove beetles and enables readers to become familiar with active research fields in this megadiverse group of beetles. Offering easy access to these fields, it also demonstrates how staphylinids are used as bioindicators in applied ecosystem research, including that concerning conservation issues. Experienced scientists and beginners alike find the diversity of subjects covered intriguing and inspiring for continuing and starting their own research. The book is intended for students and researchers in biology and zoology (entomology), including morphologists, ecologists, soil scientists, evolutionary biologists, paleontologists, biogeographers, taxonomists and systematists."-- Provided by publisher.
Contents:
Introduction
Phylogeny of the family Staphylinidae
A review of the fossil history of Staphylinoidea
Biodiversity and geographic patterns of Neotropical Staphylinidae
Adventive species of rove beetles in Canada
Effect of environmental conditions on distribution patterns
A review of Nearctic rove beetles (Staphylinidae) specialized on the burrows and nests of vertebrates
Rove beetles as bioindicators in agroecosystems
Parasites of Staphylinidae
The biology of Steninae
Biology of acarophagous Scydmeninae
The evolution of genitalia, spermatophores
Morphology of the endophallic flagellum
Morphological diversity of immature Scydmaeninae.