Evolution of diet and correlated mouthpart morphology in the Hoplandriini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)

The evolution of diet and correlated feeding structures were explored in the tribe Hoplandriini, based on a new phylogenetic hypothesis for the tribe. The morphological dataset focused on the development of new characters, especially in the mouthparts and genitalia. In addition, the inclusion of two recently discovered enigmatic genera and improved outgroup choice suggests major classificatory changes, compared with previous studies. Exploration of dietary shifts from pollenophagy to carnivory in this context suggests a correlated change in feeding structures, which may in fact have functional consequences.