Zhangolestes jilinensis was named by Zan et al. (2006). Its type specimen is Jilin Univ. Geol. Mus. Ya1.23.i, a mandible, and it is not a trace fossil. Its type locality is Shanqian, Liufangzi, Gongzhuling quarry, which is in an Aptian/Albian fluvial-lacustrine mudstone/sandstone in the Quantou Formation of China. It is the type species of Zhangolestes.