Larval Sphindidae (Coleoptera : Cucujoidea): phylogenetic implications andnew descriptions

Anew phylogenetic hypothesis of Sphindidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) is pres ented, based on a cladistic analysis of 15 larval morphology characters in addition to 39 adult morphology characters modified from a previous study b y McHugh (1993). Results from the combined cladistic analyses show larval c haracters supporting several previously established relationships and resol ving the placement of Notosphindus McHugh & Wheeler. The sister-group relat ionship between Carinisphindus McHugh and Sphindus Megerle in Dejean is not supported by the combined analyses. Larval characters did not show a dispr oportionately strong impact on the more basal nodes. Incongruence length di fference analysis found an insignificant level of discordance (P = 0.197) b etween the adult and larval based data sets. Larval Notosphindus slateri Mc Hugh & Wheeler, Genisphindus minor McHugh and Carinisphindus purpuricephalu s McHugh & Lewis are described for the first time, representing the first l arval descriptions for these genera. A literature review of immature stages of sphindid beetles and a generic level key to larvae of the family are pr ovided.