A REVIEW OF THE NEW-ZEALAND ROVE BEETLES (COLEOPTERA, STAPHYLINIDAE)

A preliminary review of the subfamilies and genera of Staphylinidae kn own from New Zealand is presented, with data on natural history and se lected references. Taxonomic changes involving 15 new combinations and a new synonymy are given in an appendix. The New Zealand staphylinid fauna as reported here includes approximately 936 native and 85 advent ive species in approximately 178 genera and 16 subfamilies. The native fauna is characterised by the absence of many major lineages (includi ng half of all staphylinid subfamilies), the high level of endemism of genera (43%) and species (>90%), and the radiation of several groups of genera and species. Staphylinid diversity in New Zealand is compare d with that of several other regions. The size of the New Zealand faun a of rove beetles is consistent with species number/land area relation ships in a variety of areas around the world.