The earliest beetle †Coleopsis archaica (Insecta: Coleo­ptera) – morphological re-evaluation using Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and phylogenetic assessment

The earliest known fossil beetle † Coleopsis archaica is re-examined using Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI). morphological observations are evaluated with respect to phylogenetic implications and the early evolution of Coleoptera. belongs an Permian branch beetles, outside a monophyletic unit comprising Coleoptera (in widest sense) excluding †Tshekardocoleidae. This clade mainly characterized by complex apomorphic features: elytra epipleura close fit posterior body, thus forming tightly sealed subelytral space. In contrast this, C. †Tshekardocoleidae cover metathorax abdomen in loose tent-like manner posteriorly distinctly surpass abdominal apex. So far, no synapomorphies two taxa from first half have been identified. very short transverse pronotum likely autapomorphy . A thorough documentation structural features fossils should high priority. RTI promising tool obtain new well-founded data, which will allow evaluation beetles future studies. We extended conventional workflow focus merging panoramic stitching, order overcome previous limitations. Taxonomic re-arrangements stem group including were suggested recent studies A.G. Kirejtshuk co-workers. As they not based on shared derived irrelevant evolutionary context.