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Methodology for detailed dissections of the phylogenetically most informative structures from adult aleocharine staphylinid beetles is provided. These methods include specimen preparation, relaxation, clearing, bleaching, dehydration and full dissection. A detailed summary of mouthpart and male and female genitalic dissections is provided. Recently described character systems, including those of the mouthparts and the thoracic regions, have been successfully used in phylogenetic studies of aleocharine staphylinids. This paper provides the first thorough description of the techniques necessary to reveal these character systems.

European honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are important pollinators of many fruits, nuts, vegetables and field crops. Honey bees also pollinate different wild flowering plants and help to maintain the ecosystems. Currently, these pollinators are facing a number of threats including habitat destruction, pesticides, mites, parasites and loss of genetic diversity. Because of the decline in their number, there is a great loss of ecological services which impacts the world's economy. This review of honey bee and pollination issues highlights the need of protection and conservation of these important pollinators. Research is required to quantify the synergistic effects of potential drivers for current colony loss and to identify the ecotypes and native species of honey bees which are more resistant to pests, pathogens and pesticides.

Abstract. The monophyly of the aleocharine beetle tribe Hoplandriini is established and the phylogenetic relationships of sixteen genus-group taxa are resolved.