Dysarestus vetustus was named by Handlirsch (1906) [Handlirsch named the new genus Dysarestus and assigned "Elaterites venustus Heer 1865" as the only species (therefore, the type by monotypy). However, Heer was clearly using this name as a recombination of Elater venustus Brodie 1845, not as a new taxonomic name. Although Handlirsch didn't expressly state that Heer's name was a misidentification, he treated it as such. Based on ICZN article 11.10 ("deliberate employment of misidentification"), Handlirsch should be considered the author of Dysaretus vetustus.]. It is an impression. Its type locality is Insektenmergel, Schambelen, Aargau, which is in an Angulata offshore claystone in the Insektenmergel Formation of Switzerland. It is the type species of Dysarestus.