The mature larvae of the rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) Lathrobium lineatocolle Scriba and Tetartopeus quadratus (Paykull) are described for the first time, and the larva of Paederus littoralis Gravenhorst is redescribed. Detailed illustrations of their structural features are provided. The description of T. quadratus is the first for that genus. Diagnostic larval, morphological characters for Paederus, Lathrobium, and Tetartopeus are proposed. Based on the earlier published and new data, morphological comparisons at the subtribal and genus levels within the subfamily Paederinae are given. The principal differences among subtribes and genera involve structures located on the head, but several relate to abdominal sclerites and urogomphi. Based on the current data, the previously proposed characters diagnostic for the subfamily Paederinae are verified. A status of Paederidus and Tetartopeus as genera as opposed to their subgeneric status within Paederus and Lathrobium, respectively, was confirmed.

For the first time eggs, larvae and pupae obtained by rearing are described for Astrapaeus, a monotypic West Palearctic rove beetle genus of a puzzling phylogenetic position within the megadiverse tribe Staphylinini. Morphology of the immature stages of Astrapaeus ulmi is compared to that of other members of the tribe and discussed in a phylogenetic context. Contrary to conventional systematics and in accordance with recently developed phylogenetic hypotheses based on morphology of adults, larval morphology supports the non-Quediina affiliation of Astrapaeus. Eggs and pupae provided fewer characters with putative phylogenetic signal. Under laboratory conditions, a peculiar preference for isopod prey was observed for A. ulmi. However, this could not be evaluated in an evolutionary context because of the lack of data on the diet of this and related taxa in nature.

The mature larva of Platydracus latebricola (Gravenhorst, 1806) is described for the first time and the larva and pupa of Staphylinus erythropterus Linné, 1758 are redescribed. Illustrations of structural features are provided. The combination of characters that allow for distinguishing the known mature larvae of Platydracus, and larvae and pupae of Staphylinus from closely related genera within tribe Staphylinini are given. The mature larvae of Platydracus and Staphylinus are compared and the generic status of the former is confirmed. Life history data under laboratory conditions of S. erythropterus are provided. Two larval instars in this species, a state unique within the tribe Staphylinini was reported.