Introduction -- Phylogeny of the family Staphylinidae -- A review of the fossil history of Staphylinoidea -- Biodiversity and geographic patterns of Neotropical Staphylinidae -- Adventive species of rove beetles in Canada -- Effect of environmental conditions on distribution patterns -- A review of Nearctic rove beetles (Staphylinidae) specialized on the burrows and nests of vertebrates -- Rove beetles as bioindicators in agroecosystems -- Parasites of Staphylinidae -- The biology of Steninae -- Biology of acarophagous Scydmeninae -- The evolution of genitalia, spermatophores -- Morphology of the endophallic flagellum -- Morphological diversity of immature Scydmaeninae.

Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) are common elements of the soil biota, living in the litter and deeper soil layers. Although they are one of the most diverse and speciose groups of insects, no comprehensive books on their general evolution and ecology are as yet available. This book fills that gap, discussing significant aspects and active research examples in the fields of phylogeny and systematics, ecology and conservation, and reproduction and development. The combination of review chapters and case studies provides an excellent introduction to the biology of rove beetles and enables readers to become familiar with active research fields in this megadiverse group of beetles. Offering easy access to these fields, it also demonstrates how staphylinids are used as bioindicators in applied ecosystem research, including that concerning conservation issues. Experienced scientists and beginners alike find the diversity of subjects covered intriguing and inspiring for continuing and starting their own research. The book is intended for students and researchers in biology and zoology (entomology), including morphologists, ecologists, soil scientists, evolutionary biologists, paleontologists, biogeographers, taxonomists and systematists.