Aleochara pseudochrysorrhoa has a glandular complex known as the tergal gland. Generally, the tergal gland secretion (TGS) has been described to have defensive function, but some reports point to a possible secondary function of this complex. For example, the TGS of the related species A. curtula has been demonstrated to possess an important role in intraspecies communication. In this work, we describe the chemical composition of the TGS of A. pseudochrysorrhoa males and females. Eleven compounds were identified based on GC/MS and GC-FT-IR analyses, retention indexes and derivatization products. Furthermore, a brief study regarding the biological function of the TGS in mating behavior is provided, in which the stimulation of male grasping response reaction by female TGS proved to be dependent on concentration.

Aleochara pseudochryssoroa is an abundant species near Centro Politécnico UFPR (Federal University of Paraná), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. This species can easily be collected in animal carcasses being an important fly regulator in this area. The adults of Aleochara prey on fly larvae, while the immature stages of Aleochara are parasitoids of fly pupae. The larvae studied here, were reared from adults of A. pseudochrysorroa collected in Curitiba, Paraná state, Brazil in animal carcasses. The immature specimens obtained were cleared and studied in glycerin in order to describe all immature stages. In this work, we describe and illustrate for the first time all larval instars of Aleochara pseudochryssoroa.

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Xenopygus Bernhauer is one of the most colorful staphylinid beetles and widespread in the Neotropical region. The aim of this study was to test the monophyly of Xenopygus based on adult morphology and to review the current species. Cladistic analysis was performed with six ingroup species, including two new species. Xenopygus is a monophyletic group supported by: antennomere V as wide as long to slightly wider, antennomere VII two times wider than long and superior line of pronotal hypomere developed, continuous on the anterior angle of pronotum. Xenopygus is composed of six species, four previously described and two new species, with the following topology: ((X. analis+(X. bicolor+X. confusus))+(X. cordovensis+(X. sancticamillus, sp. nov.+ X. petilicolis, sp. nov.))). Xenopygus is the sister group to a clade formed by species of Dysanellus and Xanthopygus, corroborating previous phylogenetic studies. The genus, and all its species were redescribed, an identification key was produced and illustration diagnostic plates and distribution maps were also provided.