Contribution to the knowledge of larval chaetotaxy of the genus Berosus (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae)

The primary and secondary chaetotaxy of the larval head capsule and head appendages of eight New World species of Berosus Leach (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae), are described for the first time, together with detailed illustrations of all characters. The chaetotaxy of these eight species is compared to that of other known Berosus larvae. Larval chaetotaxy of Berosus appears to be very stable and chaetotaxic characters separating species are very subtle. Those chaetotaxic characters which are informative to distinguish among species or groups of species are discussed.