(Page 1) 

 structure of the larvae the relationship among these families is confirm- 

 ed. 



Family STAPHYLINIDAE, the true Staphyllnids, are characterized by the 

 structure and peculiarities of the elytra, abdomen, antennae and tarsi: 



The elytra are more or less strongly abbreviated, most often covering 

 only the first two dorsal joints of abdomen, rarely the greater part of 

 abdomen. The wings can be folded 2-3 times together and laid beneath the 

 elytra. 



The abdomen consists of 9-10 dorsal Joints (tergites) and 6-7 devel- 

 oped ventral Joints (sternites). The joints are, with exception of the 

 first two covered dorsal joints chitinized (covered over with a horny 



shell), (Page ?,) 



but individually free, only connected by a thin membrane; abdomen there- 

 fore very flexible. 



The antennae are as a rule 11-Jointed, rarely 10- or 9-jointed, most 

 often more or less thickened distally, rarely club-formed offset. 



The tarsi are 5-4-3- or exceptionally 2-jolnted. 

 Though the abbreviated form of the elytra is most conspicuous and there- 

 fore mainly distinguishes the appearance of the Staphyllnids, they are 

 however less characterized by this than by the very flexible abdomen. 

 As said there are other beetle families in which the elytra likewise are 

 abbreviated ( Fselaphidae . Histeridae et al.) even though less pronounced, 

 also there Is found even among the actual Staphyllnids several genera 

 ( Lathrimaeum . Anthobium , Protelnns) . where the elytra covers more than two 



