Permocupedidae

Definition

An extinct family of protocoleopteran beetles (order Coleoptera, suborder Protocoleoptera) that dominated Middle Permian ecosystems as early stem-group beetles. These xylophagous insects represent one of the most successful radiations of early beetles, persisting from the Early Permian through the Middle Triassic before disappearing from the fossil record.

Etymology

From Permian (geological period) + Latin cuped- (related to beetles, from Cupes, a genus name) + -idae (family suffix)

Example

Frankencupes ultimus from the Middle Triassic Röt Formation of Germany is the youngest known species of Permocupedidae, representing a relict lineage that survived the end-Permian mass extinction.

Related Terms

• Protocoleoptera
• stem-group beetles
• xylophagy
• Permian insects
• Frankencupes
• Cupedidae
• archostematan beetles

Usage Notes

Permocupedidae is distinguished from the extant family Cupedidae (reticulated beetles) by its earlier temporal range and more basal phylogenetic position within Protocoleoptera. The family's presumed xylophagous ecology—wood-feeding—supports hypotheses that the ancestral coleopteran lifestyle involved consumption of decaying wood and fungal hyphae rather than predation or herbivory on living plants. Fossil evidence is primarily from compression impressions in Permian lake deposits of Russia and Germany.