Abstract. Paussus favieri Fairmaire is one of only two species of the myrmecophilous carabid tribe Paussini known from Europe. Larvae are known from only 10 of the 580 paussine species. As in many beetles with considerably modified later instar larvae, the first instars represent a valuable source of informative characters for taxonomy and phylogenetic analyses (primary chaetotaxy, eggbursters, etc.). Therefore, the discovery of the first instar larva of P. favieri is particularly important, as it represents only the second species for which this larval stage is known. In this paper we describe the behavior and morphology of the larval first instar of P. favieri (subtribe Paussina of Paussini) and compare it with that of Arthropterus sp. (subtribe Cerapterina), which is the only other 1st instar described in the Paussini. Most surprisingly, we found that the 1st instar of P. favieri lacks a prostheca, which was previously thought to be a synapomorphy of Paussina + Platyrhopalina. Rather, P. favieri has a unique mandibular structure that seems to be functionally analogous to the protheca. It is a long, broadly lanceolate, distinctly flattened structure apparently homologous to the medial mandibular seta (MN2*), which arises from an area behind the cutting edge of mandible. We predict that the function of the protheca and this similar structure in P. favieri are involved in a specialized feeding strategy that may include soliciting trophallaxis from their host ants. We also report some observations of the first instar hatching from the egg, feeding on liquid and a behaviour we interpret as a "calling behavior," all of which were videotaped and posted on the Tree of Life Web Project.

Canadian species of the Zyras group of genera and review of the types from America north of Mexico (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae

During a biospeleological survey of caves of Imereti region (Georgia), a new species of the beetle genus Bergrothia Reitter, B. barbakadzei sp. nov. was discovered in three caves: Datvis (Bear), Prometheus and Melouri caves (Sataplia–Tskaltubo karst massif, Tskaltubo district). The new species is described, illustrated and differentiated from other morphologically similar species of the genus—B. mingrelica (Reitter). Bergrothia barbakadzei sp. nov. is the first cavernicolous species of the genus Bergrothia. A key to the species of this genus is provided.

The pselaphine Bergrothia saulcyi shows features seemingly linked with life in deep soil layers, such as greatly reduced and non-functional compound eyes, a sensorium of long tactile setae, long appendages, and flightlessness. However, the tiny beetles occur in forest leaf litter, together with a community of beetles with wings and welldeveloped eyes. We hypothesize that B. saulcyi moves into deep soil under dry conditions, and returns to upper layers when humidity increases again. Despite the evolutionary cost of a reduced dispersal capacity, this life strategy may be more efficient and less hazardous than moving to different habitats using flight and the visual sense in an environment periodically drying out. We also discuss cephalic features with potential phylogenetic relevance. Plesiomorphies of B. saulcyi include the presence of anterior tentorial arms, well-developed labral retractors, and a full set of extrinsic maxillary and premental muscles. Apomorphic cephalic features support clades Protopselaphinae + Pselaphinae, and Pselaphinae. A conspicuous derived condition, the clypeo-ocular carina, is a possible synapomorphy of Batrisitae and genera assigned to Goniaceritae. A complex triple set of cephalic glands found in B. saulcyi is similar to a complex identified in the strict myrmecophile Claviger testaceus (Clavigeritae). It is conceivable that glands linked with food uptake in free-living pselaphines were genetically re-programmed in ancestors of inquilines, to enable them to appease the host ants. We suggest that behavioral studies are necessary to understand the poorly known life habits of B. saulcyi. Additional information is required to explain why a species with irreversibly reduced visual sense and other adaptations typical of endogean or cave-dwelling beetles was only collected from the upper leaf litter layer.

Seven new species of the cavernicolous and anophthalmous genus Thaumastocephalus Poggi, Nonveiller, Colla, Pavićević & T. Rađa, 2001 are described: T. bilandzijae sp. n., T. kirini sp. n., T. marsici sp. n., T. rujnicensis sp. n., T. slavkoi sp. n. and T. troglavi sp. n. from Croatia and T. dahnae sp. n. from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Aedeagi of all species are illustrated. A key to all species is provided. The records of all specimens of the genus treated here are given, and their distributions are discussed and shown on maps. The distribution of all genera of cavernicolous Pselaphinae in the Dinarides is discussed.