John and Suzanne Morse Chair of Arthropod Biodiversity Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina
The highest elevations of the southern Appalachian Mts. host numerous endemic and variously threatened species. The rove beetles (Staphylinidae) of the high Appalachians are reasonably diverse, but haven't received a great deal of close attention. Through intensive leaf litter surveys and next-generation metabarcoding procedures, we are developing a more comprehensive picture of this family's diversity in the area. There are numerous cryptic species, many still unrecognized, while at the same time the taxonomy of some previously studied groups in the region probably requires revision.
