Tshekardocoleidae is an extinct family of beetles, known from the Permian. They represent amongst the oldest beetles. Like other primitive beetles, they are thought to have been xylophagous.[2] They first appeared during the Cisuralian, before becoming extinct at the beginning of the Guadalupian.[2] A claimed Jurassic record is doubtful.[1] The oldest known beetle, Coleopsis, was originally assigned to this family, but is now assigned to its own family Coleopsidae.[1]
Taxonomy
undescribed Tshekardocoleid larvae, Tshekarda site
Kirejtshuk (2020) included the following genera in Tshekardocoleidae[1]
The genus Uralocoleus had been placed in the family by some authors, but the type species Uralocoleus splendensZalessky 1947 was considered incertae sedis by Kirejtshuk (2020) as a possible beetle or cockroach. The second species placed in the genus "Uralocoleus" ultimus was rejected from placement in Uralocoleus and listed as "genus incertus" ultimusPonomarenko, 2000.[1]
