Abstract
synopsis. Most contemporary authorities on the taxonomy of Coleoptera agree that its three-quarter million described species and subspecies should be placed in three suborders: Archostemata, Adephaga, and Polyphaga. Judged by the absence of males or the occurrence of variant sex ratios, parthenogenesis occurs in all three. Those that have been studied cytologically and a few that can safely be surmised are discussed with reference to their probable origin and evolutionary significance. The classical subdivision of Coleoptera into the Adephaga and Polyphaga takes on increased substance (See Crowson, 1960) with the recognition of a third suborder, the Archostemata, comprising a small, rel? ict group of primitive beetles formerly in? cluded in the Polyphaga. Parthenogenetic reproduction occurs sporadically among the three-quarter mil? lion described species and subspecies of beetles: once in the Archostemata, once again in the Adephaga, and about 80 times in six families of the Polyphaga. The fol? lowing review is restricted to those cases that have been investigated cytologically or where the reproductive process can be inferred with some degree of confidence based on experimental analysis. Consequently, only passing mention will be made of others.
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