Abstract

An updated view of current knowledge of the Chilean Coleoptera is given, based upon a bibliographical review; 96 families, 1, 196 genera and 3,947 species are included. Information about families, genera, and species numbers is given. The main entomological resources available at present are listed. The high degree of isolation and endemism of Chile's coleopteran fauna is emphasized. The Valdivian forests, and and and semiarid habitats, are important centers of endemism.