A New Genus and Species of the Family Trachydechidae (Coleopteran, Adephaga) from the Upper Ladinian (Middle Triassic) of Monte San Giorgio

A new genus and species of the extinct beetle family Trachypachidae, Praedodromeus sangiorgiensis, has been discovered in the Upper Ladinian (Middle Triassic) strata of Monte San Giorgio. This fossil, characterized by its asymmetrical mandibles, subrectangular pronotum, and slender tibiae, contributes to the understanding of the paleoenvironment during this period. The discovery is part of a diverse insect assemblage that includes both terrestrial and aquatic taxa, providing evidence for emerged land and stable freshwater basins in the Monte San Giorgio area. This finding enriches the fossil record of Trachypachidae, with over 33 species now described, and offers insights into the ecological dynamics of the region during the Middle Triassic.

STRADA, L. A. U. R. A., MONTAGNA, M. A. T. T. E. O., & TINTORI, A. N. D. R. E. A. (2014). A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF THE FAMILY TRACHYPACHIDAE (COLEOPTERAN, ADEPHAGA) FROM THE UPPER LADINIAN (MIDDLE TRIASSIC) OF MONTE SAN GIORGIO. Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia, Vol 120, No 2. https://doi.org/10.13130/2039-4942/6059