Present and Future Systematics of the Coleoptera in North America

Abstract

The current state of beetle taxonomy in North America is well advanced, but the lack of an organized plan of study has retarded the completion of the alpha taxonomy of the order, and this, in turn, has slowed down the work on other phases of systematics. Many families need revision, and more coleopterists are needed to do the job. Although alpha taxonomy needs attention, it cannot be done independently of the other branches of systematics. More anatomical data are needed. Manuals of local faunas should be written, because the data they would contain will be extremely valuable for beta and gamma taxonomic studies. The steps needed to bring the study of North American Coleoptera up to date with the rest of biology include: the completion of a new catalog; holotype lists; neotype designations; centralized files of original descriptions to make these readily available to any worker; current literature reviews; better editing; restriction of type localities; descriptions of localities; anatomical reviews; more studies of life histories, behavior, and habitats; and efforts to provide more capable coleopterists.