Glaresidae, archaeopteryx of the Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera)

Abstract

Abstract. Evidence is presented that Glaresidae are the most primitive livinj scarabaeoid group and as such represent the sister group of the rest of the Scarabaeoidea. This is based on a review of the states of seventy‐two morphologica characters. The plesiomorphic states of many characters are unique to the Glaresidae or are shared with other primitive scarabaeoids; seven may be synapomorphic with other groups and two are autapomorphic for the family.