Cave beetles have been among the first subterranean animals discovered and scientifically studied. Several decades ago, ecological, behavioral and evolutionary studies on leptodirine beetles represented the cutting edge of subterranean biology. Furthermore, the extraordinary diversity of cave beetles attracts the attention of numerous amateur entomologists. This symposium is an opportunity to review and discuss the state-of-the art, to set new standards for evolutionary and systematic studies of subterranean coleopterans, but also to report on new findings on the taxonomy and fauna of this exceptionally diverse group of subterranean animals.

Slavko Polak, Notranjski Muzej Postojna