Systematic revision of the repository collection of Canthoroidea in the Department of National Museums, Colombo, Sri Lanka (Coleoptera: Antharidae, Lampyridae, Lycidae, Rhagophthalmidae)

The collection of Sri Lankan Cantharoidea in the National Museums Colombo was initiated and identified by European and British collectors in the early 1800s. Their collection has been reserved as "Sri Lankan firefly collection" in the National Museums, Colombo. Subsequently no systematic studies have been undertaken in an attempt to confirm the identifications and update the classification of these specimens using recent taxonomic information. During January to June in 2010, we examined 1,214 dry mounted specimens using a stereo microscope to determine external morphology in an attempt to reclassify specimens using up to date taxonomy. The collection originally was arranged into 4 families classified under 27 genera and 63 species. In our opinion, there are 4 families, containing 29 genera and 61 species including 27 Lampyridae species. The collection is clearly marked with labeled specimens indicating any authority for the suggested changes.