The species of the tribe Falagriini (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) of America north of Mexico are revised. Twenty-two species, representing nine genera, are recognized. Included in this total are three new species (type localities in parentheses): Myrmecocephalus sculpturatus (Cochise County, Arizona, USA), M. gatineauensis (Gatineau N. C. C. Park, Quebec, CANADA) and Falagrioma socorroensis (Socorro County, New Mexico, USA). One European species is reported for the first time from North America: Falagria sulcata (Paykull). The following species names are placed in synonymy: Chitalia granulosa Casey and Chitalia illustris Casey [=Aleodorus scutellaris (LeConte)]; Lorinota bilimbata Casey [=Myrmecocephalus concinnus (Erichson)]; and Lorinota parva Casey [=Myrmecocephalus gracilis (Casey)]. The genus group name Omoschema Notman is placed in synonymy with Lissagria Casey thus creating a new combination for the name laticeps Notman. Usage of the genus group name Myrmecocephalus MacLeay is briefly discussed. The following species names, previously considered to be junior synonyms, herein are recognized as valid: Lorinota gracilis Casey and Lorinota pinalica Casey (both now placed in Myrmecocephalus); and Falagria scutellaris LeConte (now placed in Aleodorus). The generic group names Falagrioma Casey and Leptagria Casey are also removed from synonymy (both with Anaulacaspis Ganglbauer). A neotype is designated for Aleochara bilobata Say and lectotypes are designated (when necessary) for the species described from America north of Mexico by Bemhauer, Casey, Erichson and LeConte. Myrmecopora Saulcy is excluded from the Falagriini. Adults of all twenty-two species are described or redescribed. The male genitalia, female spermatheca, and other structures are illustrated with scanning electron photomicrographs and standard macro- and microphotographs. The distribution of each species in America north of Mexico is recorded and mapped, based on specimens examined. Diagnostic keys are provided for all genera and species occurring in America north of Mexico. Proposed phylogenetic relationships among the North American genera are presented and discussed. A checklist of genera and species of North American Falagriini is added. |