Phylogenetic analysis of Trechitae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) based on larval morphology, with a description of first‐instar Phrypeus and a key to genera

Abstract. Sixty‐nine characters of larval structure of twenty‐eight genera of the supertribe Trechitae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were analysed phylogenetically. The monophyly of Trechitae is strongly supported with five unique synapomorphies. The monophyly of Zolini + Bembidiini + Pogonini is supported with two synapomorphies. We propose that the tribe Trechini is a sister group to them and its monophyly is supported with two unique synapomorphies. The inferred branching pattern of Trechini genera is ( Perileptus + Thalassophilus ) + ( Amblystogenium + ( Trechimorphus + ( Trechus + Epaphius + Aepopsis + Trechisibus ))); Perileptus is a member of Trechodina rather than Trechina. The monophyly of Zolini is not supported. The monophyly of Pogonini is supported with two unique synapomorphies; its sister group relationships remain obscure; the branching pattern of pogonine genera is ((( Pogonus + Pogonistes ) + Cardiaderus ) + Thalassotrechus ). No evidence for monophyly of the tribe Bembidiini ( s. lato ; including subtribes Bembidiina, Tachyina, Xystosomina, and Anillina) was found. The relationships of Phrypeus are obscure; no evidence could be found linking it with Bembidiina. Without Phrypeus , Bembidiina might be a monophylum with a single synapomorphy. Sinechostictus branches basal of ( Bembidion + Asaphidion ) and therefore should be treated as a separate genus. Tachyina and Xystosomina form a monophylum based on two unique synapomorphies; a close relationship with a monophyletic Anillina is suggested. Reduction of the number of claws from two to one in Trechitae has taken place twice: within Trechina ( Trechus , Epaphius , Aepopsis and Trechisibus ) and in (Zolini + Bembidiini + Pogonini). The previously unknown larvae of the isolated genus Phrypeus are described and illustrated. A key to all twenty‐eight analysed Trechitae genera based on characters of larvae and a list of larval autapomorphies for each genus are provided.