Klíč k larvám mrchožroutů České republiky (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Silphinae: Silphini)

Abstrakt: The tribe Silphini is a small group of beetles, with 13 extant species currently known from the Czech Republic, which despite the group's common name (large carrion beetles), have various diets and lifestyles. While the morphology of the adult stages is well known, the descriptions of larvae and their instars are mostly outdated, inaccurate, or even absent. There is however a growing demand for new information, as the larvae of some species can be utilised in crime investigations within forensic entomology. We have reviewed all the available literature regarding species relevant for the Czech Republic and revised it based on comparison with available larval specimens. As a result, we have compiled the most accurate dichotomous key to larvae of the tribe Silphini to-date. The key can be used for species identification and, for the first time, for instar determination as well.

Klíčová slova: Coleoptera, Silphidae, Silphinae, Silphini, larvae, instars, morphology, determination, key, forensic entomology