AbstractThe larval stages of the HawaiianDisenochus fractusSharp are described, representing the first comprehensive larval description for any species of native Hawaiian Carabidae. Based on cladistic analysis using eleven characters of first‐instar larvae for twenty‐two platynine carabid species representing ten genera,D.fractusis most closely related to the AsianPlatynus magnusBates. This result supports Zimmerman's hypothesis that the Hawaiian Platynini are of Asian derivation. Synapomorphies supporting this relationship include: (1) smooth keel‐like egg bursters, (2) serrate margins on the mandibular terebrum and retinacular tooth, and (3) translucent lunules apicad from urogomphal setae