Identification key and diagnosis of forensic interest Histeridae (Insecta: Coleoptera) from Brazil

ABSTRACT

The histerid species are mostly predator and can be found in different environments. Among the groups associated with carcasses, some are reported as relevant in medicolegal entomology. However, the Histeridae taxonomic data is poorly known, especially in the Neotropics. The aim were to elaborate an identification key and provide diagnosis of the Histeridae species with forensic interest from Brazil. Also, the distribution and biological data of the species were added. The following species are recorded in Brazil as important for forensic entomology: Aeletes nicolasi Leivas, 2012;Euspilotus azureus (Sahlberg, 1823); Hister cavifrons Marseul, 1854; Omalodes bifoveolatusMarseul, 1853; Omalodes foveola Erichson, 1834;Omalodes lucidus Erichson, 1834, Operclipygus subterraneus Caterino & Tishechkin, 2013; Phelister sanguinipennis Marseul, 1853; and Scapomegas auritus Marseul, 1855. This is the first work for forensic studies with Histeridae from Brazil and it can be used at applied forensic entomology.

KEYWORDS
Histerids; medicolegal entomology; Neotropical; taxonomy