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SYSTEMATICS

Figs. 1-3 illustrate the important taxonomic characters used in the following keys:

I. Antennal fossae located on the surface of the head between the anterior margins of the eyes

........................................................................................................Aleocharinae (Fig.4)

Antennal fossae located at the front or side margins of head. ........................................... 2

2. A pair of ocelli present on the surface of head. ......................................Omaliinae (Fig. 5)

Ocelli absent....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ............... 3

3. Second sternite complete. ....................... ..........................................Oxytelinae (Fig. 6)

Second sternite absent or rudimentary. ....................... ....................... ....................... ..4

4. Elytra long, covering first tergite ....................... ..................................Proteininae (Fig.7)

Elytra short, first tergite exposed at least in part. ....................... ....................... ............5

5. Neck plate present at anterior margin of pro sternum. .......................Xantholininae (Fig. 8)

Neck plate absent. ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... .......6

6. Anterior angle of prothorax produced anteriorly ahead of outer anterior angle of prosternum

..........................................................................................................Quediinae(Fig.9)

Anterior angle of pro sternum not so produced. ...............................................................7

7. Last segment of maxillary palpus narrower than preceding...................Paederinae (Fig. 10)

Last segment of maxillary palpus not narrower than preceding.............................................. 8

8. Superior and inferior lateral lines or pronotum widely separated at anterior angles ............

..............................................................................................Xanthopyginae (Fig. 11)

Superior and inferior lateral lines or pronotum united at anterior angles...................................

..................................................................................................Staphylininae (Fig.12)