Diversity of forensic rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) associated with decaying pig carcass in a forest biotope.

Most forensic studies are focused on Diptera pattern colonization while neglecting Coleoptera succession. So far, little information is available on the postmortem colonization by beetles and the decomposition process they initiate under temperate biogeoclimatic countries. These beetles have, however, been referred to as being part of the entomofaunal colonization of a dead body.

Morphology and ultrastructure of paired prototergal glands in the adult rove beetle Philonthus varians (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae).

Philonthus and other genera of Philonthina possess a pair of prototergal glands located in the first abdominal tergum and hidden at rest by hind wings and elytra. In Philonthus varians they occupy the whole length of the tergum and form a pouch-like invaginated reservoir with a scaly glandular zone and a smooth outlet. A grille of long setae covers the opening of each gland.