A systematic revision of Baconia Lewis (Coleoptera, Histeridae, Exosternini)

Book excerpt: This monograph presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Baconia Lewis (Histeridae: Histerinae: Exosternini). Previously, Baconia contained 27 species. We move four species into Baconia from other genera, and describe 85 species as new, bringing the total to 116 species. Identification keys are presented to allow identification of all the species, and most species are illustrated by color photographs and drawings of diagnostic characteristics. The species mainly occur in the Neotropical region. But several species are known from the U.S., and there are even species occurring in eastern and southeastern Asia. Many of the species of Baconia exhibit brilliant metallic coloration, a feature of as yet unknown significance. Many are also strongly flat-tened, an adaptation for a life under the bark of dead trees, where they are believed mainly to prey on bark beetles and their larvae.