Significant new taxonomic tool for Carabidae (Insecta: Coleoptera): endophallus inflation methods revised

Abstract

A review of the use of the genital structures in taxonomic studies of Carabidae Latreille, 1802 is provided. The pros and cons of different existing methods are briefly discussed. A modified method of preparing and using the aedeagal endophallus is elaboratated. An evaluation of the utility of using this method for different groups of Carabidae is discussed. Most importantly, this method seems to be important for subfamilies Carabinae Latreille, 1802, Cicindelinae Latreille, 1802, Pterostichinae Bonelli, 1810, Harpalinae Bonelli, 1810.

Keywords

• Coleoptera
• Carabidae
• aedeagal endophallus
• taxonomy