Abstract

The axillary sclerites of 69 species representing 52 families of the order Coleoptera were examined and illustrations prepared of most or them. A description is given for the typical axillary sclerites and the deviations in form from this pattern are discussed for the major groups of beetles. The phylogenetic relationships between some families, and other groups, are pointed out based on the morphology of the axillary sclerites. Phyletic groups in Adephaga are characterized by the axillary sclerites, but in the Polyphaga variations are too numerous and inconsistant to be useful in determining phyletic trends.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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