Phylogeny and Reclassification of Omaliini Beetles of the World (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

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Dr. Margaret Thayer of the Field Museum in Chicago is studying the basic taxonomic classification and identification of the rove beetles of the world. Study of the adult and larval morphology of specimens from museum collections from several institutions will provide data for improved understanding of the variability within and among the estimated 38 genera and 425 species of these forest-dwelling staphylinid beetles. The resulting revised classification will then allow further work on the evolutionary relationships among the genera and the patterns of historical biogeography that explain the present worldwide distribution of these insects. Further, the improved taxonomy will help in understanding the evolution of the various feeding patterns found in rove beetles, including pollen-feeding, fungus- feeding, and saprophytism. Dr. Thayer is a young investigator with several high-quality publications to her credit.