| Summary: | This is a taxonomic and bionomical study of the immature stages of the New World Hydrophiloidea (families Helophoridae, Epimetopidae, Georissidae, Hydrochidae, Spercheidae, and Hydrophilidae). Descriptions of collecting and rearing techniques for beetles coming from different habitats is discussed; also a general account of the biology of hydrophiloids is summarized. A generic key to larvae of all known New World hydrophiloids is provided, as well as diagnostic descriptions for each genus; these descriptions include the egg cases, larvae, and pupae. Further information on number of species, distribution, species with known immature stages, and additional biological characteristics is provided for each genus. Detailed illustrations for each genus supplement the key and the diagnostic descriptions. The immature stages of five genera are described here for the first time: Notionotus, Oocyclus, Pelosoma, Cryptopleurum, and Pemelus.
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