Larval morphology and chaetotaxy of Philonthus Stephens (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) based on descriptions of eight species from Argentina

The third instar larva of eight Philonthus species from Argentina, P flavolimbatus Erichson, R pauxillus Solsky R bicoloristylus Chani-Posse, R sericans (Gravenhorst), R bonariensis Bernhauer, P longicornis Stephens, R rectangulus Sharp and P quadraticeps Boheman, are described (five for the first time), keyed and illustrated. Measurements of all larval instars and differences in chaetotaxic and non-chaetotaxic characters between first and third instar are given in tables and illustrated. A generic description based on literature is also included. Chaetotaxy descriptions for Philonthus species are elaborated based on Ashe and Watrous's system for setal patterns. Characters of systematic value at generic and specific levels are highlighted and discussed.