Prehistoric beetles

extinct species of beetle

species of insect (fossil)

species of beetle (fossil)

Coptoclavidae is an extinct family of aquatic beetles in the suborder Adephaga. The Coptoclavidae lived from the Late Triassic to the Early Cretaceous. Coptoclavidae is a member of the adephagan clade Dytiscoidea, which contains living aquatic beetles, including living predatory diving beetles (Dytiscidae). Coptoclavids are thought to have hunted on the water surface, similar to whirligig beetles (Gyrinidiae), with prey likely including small fish and larval amphibians. Suggested reasons for their extinction to include the rise of teleost fish, or competition with Gyrinidae and Dytiscidae, whi

species of insect (fossil)

species of insect (fossil)

species of insect (fossil)

species of insect (fossil)

Tshekardocoleidae is an extinct family of stem group beetles, known from the Early Permian. They represent some of the earliest known beetles. They first appeared during the Cisuralian, before becoming extinct at the beginning of the Guadalupian. A claimed Jurassic record is doubtful. Like other primitive beetles, they are thought to have been xylophagous. The oldest known beetle, Coleopsis, was originally assigned to this family, but is now assigned to its own family Coleopsidae.

species of insect (fossil)

species of insect (fossil)