Synthesis of Current Knowledge of the Morphology of the Larval Stages of Paederinae (Coleoptera; Staphylinidae), with a First Insight into the Mature Larva of Pseudomedon Mulsant & Rey, 1878, in the Light of a New Systematic Division

Abstract

This is the first morphological description of the mature larva (L2) of the genus Pseudomedon, belonging to the tribe Lathrobiini and subtribe Medonina. Detailed illustrations of its structural features are provided. Based on earlier published and new data, 10 and 18 diagnostic larval morphological characters for Paederinae and Pseudomedon, respectively, are proposed. In the light of the new tribal system established for the subfamily Paederinae and based on the current knowledge (including Pseudomedon) concerning the larval morphology of these staphylinids, a comparative analysis of the traits at different taxonomic levels was carried out: intertribal—between Lathrobiini and Paederini sensu nov., intersubtribal (Lathrobiini)—between Medonina and Lathrobiina, and intrasubtribal for Medonina. As a consequence, 12 intertribal, 2 intersubtribal and 3 intrasubtribal distinguishing features were selected. These features, appearing on the head, antennae and mouthparts of the larvae, confirm the validity of the recent proposals to alter the systematics of these staphylinids at higher taxonomic levels. Our proposed practical identification key to Paederinae larvae at the generic level is a synthesis of the current knowledge of Paederinae larvae, including new data. The work also gives a thorough review of the literature and the state of knowledge of the morphology of Paederinae larvae.