Phyllocerids

Phyllocerids are a family of extinct beetles belonging to the infraorder Scarabaeiformia. They are characterized by their flattened, leaf-like bodies and prominent, lamellate antennae. Fossil evidence suggests that phyllocerids lived during the Mesozoic Era, with remains found in various fossiliferous deposits around the world, particularly in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Their flattened morphology likely aided in navigating through leaf litter or compressed sediments.

The precise ecological role of phyllocerids is not fully understood due to the limited nature of the fossil record. However, their mouthpart structures, when preserved, suggest they were likely detritivores or herbivores, feeding on decaying organic matter or plant material. The lamellate antennae, a common feature in scarabaeiform beetles, are typically used for detecting pheromones or sensing the environment. In phyllocerids, these structures were often broad and leaf-like, possibly serving a specialized sensory function or even a role in display.

Research on phyllocerids primarily relies on the study of fossil specimens. Their unique morphology makes them distinct from modern beetle families, although they share some characteristics with extant scarab beetles. The classification of phyllocerids has been subject to revision as new fossils are discovered and analytical techniques improve. Their evolutionary relationships with other beetle groups are still an area of ongoing investigation. The extinction of phyllocerids likely occurred at the end of the Cretaceous period, possibly as part of the larger faunal turnover event that marked the end of the Mesozoic Era.