Dmitry Telnov        Ant-like flower beetles

Research of taxonomy, biogeography, ecology and evolution of worldwide Anthicidae is among my main scientific activities since 1995. Anthicidae are small to midsized  beetles, very common in the tropical ecosystems. Especially because their often very close 'connection' to ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in some tropical regions  the ant-like flower beetles are the second group by biomass (after already mentioned ants). Unfortunately, very few is known about these relations with  ants. Wallacea and New Guinea is one of regions where Anthicidae are absolutly insufficiently studied. During the recent activities the number of Anthicidae species known from this region was trippled. Thus, additional studies very are necessary in order to clarify the place and role of Anthicidae in tropical ecosystems.