| Sumario: | Bunites Spangler has been the only member of the tribe Colymbetini for which the larva has been unknown. The first-instar larva of Bunites distigma (Brullé) is described and figured for the first time. Detailed morphometric and chaetotaxic analyses are provided. A phylogenetic analysis based on 41 first-instar larval characters, including members of six genera of Colymbetini, supports the hypothesis of a derived condition of Bunites within this tribe. Monophyly of Bunites + Rhantus Dejean (s. lat.) (minus Rhantus orbignyi Balke) + Neoscutopterus J. Balfour-Browne + Meladema Laporte is suggested by four synapomorphies: an elongate and hair-like seta FE5 on both meso- and metafemur, and the presence of additional anteroventral setae on tibia and tarsus. The clade Bunites + Neoscutopterus + Meladema is supported by three synapomorphies: the presence of additional setae on the frontoclypeus, dorsal surface of parietal, and urogomphi. Six other character states might also support this group. The clade Bunites + Meladema is well supported by four synapomorphies: the presence of additional setae on the lateromedial portion of frontoclypeus, ventral surface of parietal, anterodistal margin of prementum, and anterodorsal surface of tibia. A derived condition of Bunites within the Colymbetini is suggested by two autapomorphies: the presence of one additional seta on the coxa, and additional dorsal pores on the eighth abdominal segment.
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