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Techniques for dissecting adult aleocharine beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

R.S. Hanley*
Affiliation:
Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center, Snow Hall, 1460 Jayhawk Blvd, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
J.S. Ashe
Affiliation:
Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center, Snow Hall, 1460 Jayhawk Blvd, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
*
*Earth Systems Science Institute, PO Box 9007, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9007, USA Fax: 701 777 2940 E-mail: rshanley@umac.org

Abstract

Methodology for detailed dissections of the phylogenetically most informative structures from adult aleocharine staphylinid beetles is provided. These methods include specimen preparation, relaxation, clearing, bleaching, dehydration and full dissection. A detailed summary of mouthpart and male and female genitalic dissections is provided. Recently described character systems, including those of the mouthparts and the thoracic regions, have been successfully used in phylogenetic studies of aleocharine staphylinids. This paper provides the first thorough description of the techniques necessary to reveal these character systems.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

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