Lethrus (Mesolethrus) microbuccis Ballion, 1871

Shapovalov, Andrey M. & Bagaturov, Mikhail F., 2023, A review of the subgenus Mesolethrus Nikolajev, 2003 of the genus Lethrus Scopoli, 1777 (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae: Lethrinae) with description of a new species, Zootaxa 5351 (4), pp. 435-452 : 440-441

Lethrus (Mesolethrus) microbuccis Ballion, 1871

( Figs. 5 , 15–16, 28 , 35, 42–43 , 45 )

Lethrus microbuccis Ballion, 1871: 336 (original description, type locality: “Bei Chodshent”) [currently Khujand (= Leninabad) in Sughd Region, northestern Tajikistan; the type locality apparently is situated southwards Khujand in foothills of the Turkestan Mountain Range]; Solsky 1876: 370 (synonymized with Lethrus turkestanicus Ballion, 1871 ); Reitter 1890: 293 (key, distribution).

Lethrus puncticollis Kraatz, 1882: 312 (original description, type locality: “Samarkand”); Reitter 1890: 293 (synonymized with Lethrus (Microlethrus) microbuccis ).

Lethrus (Autolethrus) microbuccis: Semenov 1892: 237 (classification).

Lethrus (Abrognathus) glasunowi D. Koshantschikov, 1894: 118 (original description, type locality: “Buchara; Kainar” according to the label of the lectotype designated by Nikolajev 2003) [the type locality corresponds to the village = Qaynar or Qaynarbuloq, about 39°14’N, 66°54’E, which is situated on the southern slope of Zarafshan Mountain Range in the Qashqadaryo Reg. of Uzbekistan]; Semenov 1894: 479 (synonymized with Lethrus (Microlethrus) microbuccis ).

Lethrus (Microlethrus) microbuccis: Semenov 1894: 479 (key, distribution); Lebedev 1912: 226 (list of species, key, distribution, aedeagus: Fig. 4 ); Semenov & Medvedev 1936: 81 (key, distribution, iconography: Tab. 6 Fig. 128, Tab. 8 Fig. 184, Tab. 10 Fig. 238).

Lethrus (Furcilethrus) microbuccis: Nikolajev 1987: 41 (distribution).

Lethrus (Mesolethrus) microbuccis: Nikolajev 2003: 126 (key, characteristic, distribution: Fig. 90 Nr. 2, parameres: Fig. 91 Nr. 3, habitus: Fig. 93); Král & Nikolajev 2006: 94 (catalogue); Bagaturov & Nikolajev 2015: 312 (distribution, synonymy); Nikolajev et al. 2016: 50 (catalogue); Bagaturov & Hillert 2023: 312 (head: Figs. 49–51) [attribution to L. microbuccis is somewhat questionable considering the similarities with L. (Paralethrus) bituberculatus : frons with tubercles, left mandible on ventral margin with obtuse protrusion, dorsal surface of left mandible with transversal keel].

Type material examined. None.

Additional material examined. Kyrgyzstan. 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀: SW Kyrgyzstan, Batken Reg., Leilek Distr. , Turkestan Mt. Range , 9 km S Ai-Kol , 39°43’N 69°38’E, 2100 m a.s.l., 13.v.2016, A. Shapovalov leg. ( ASPC); 55 ♂♂ 21 ♀♀: SW Kyrgyzstan, Batken Reg., Leilek Distr., Turkestan Mt. Range, Golbo env., 39°48’N 69°38’E, 1759 m a.s.l., 8-9.v.2016, A. Shapovalov leg. ( ASPC); 1 ♂ 1 ♀: same data ( MBPC). Tajikistan. 1 ♂: N Tajikistan, Sughd Reg., Turkestan Mt. Range, Shakhristan env., 26.v.1972, Shukhronaev leg. ( GNPC); 1 ♂: N Tajikistan, Sughd Reg., valley of Zarafshan, Sudzhina , 17.v.1967, I. Lopatin leg. Uzbekistan ( GNPC). Uzbekistan. 1 ♂ 1 ♀: Uzbekistan, Jizzax Reg., N foothills of Turkestan Mt Range., Zaamin env., 22.iv.1998, A. Klimenko leg. ( MBPC); 16 ♂♂ 14 ♀♀: Uzbekistan, Jizzax Reg., 28 km SW Zaamin , Malguzar Mt. Range , 39°43’12”N, 68°14’57”E, 2000 m a.s.l., 17.iv.2021, S. Dyonin & I. Dyonina leg. ( ASPC); 1 ♂: Jizzax Reg., Nuratau Mt. Range, Jangiqishlak , 24.iv.2002, O. & I. Legezin leg. ( MBPC); 1 ♂ 1 ♀: Jizzax Reg., Nuratau Mt. Range, southwards Jangiqishlak , 14–15.iv.2004, O. Legezin leg. ( MBPC); 1 ♀: Samarkand reg., 11 km SE Djush , N of Aktau Mt. Range , 7.iv.2013, S. Dyonin leg., 250 m a.s.l.; 2 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀: Samarkand Reg., Samarkand env., 9.iii.2001, O. Legezin leg. ( GNPC); 1 ♂ 1 ♀: Dzhizzax Reg., Mullabulak , 8.iii.2001, O. Legezin leg. ( GNPC); 1 ♂ 3 ♀♀: Nuratau Mt. Range , iv.2002, O. Legezin leg. ( GNPC); 1 ♂ 1 ♀: Qashqadaryo Reg., Ruskishlak vill., Zarafshan Mt. Range , 10.iv.1991, S. Ovchinnikov leg. ( SKPC); 1 ♀: Samarkand Reg., 65 km on Samarkand to Qarshi road, Zarafshan Mt. Range , 19.iv.1997, A. Klimenko leg. ( MBPC); 3 ♂: same locality and collector, but 14.IV.1997 ( MBPC); ♂ 1 ♀: Qashqadaryo Reg., 30 km East to Kitab, tributary of Qashqadaryo Riv ., 9.v.1982, G. Medvedev leg. ( MBPC); 4 ♀♀: Qashqadaryo Reg., Qarshi env., 11.iii.2001, O. Legezin leg. ( GNPC); 1 ♂: same locality, but 1.iv.1998, A. Klimenko leg. ( MBPC); 5 ♂♂ 4 ♀♀: Qashqadaryo Reg., 20 km S Guldara , W spurs of Hissar Mt. Range , 18.iii.2001, I. Legezin leg. ( GNPC); Qashqadaryo Reg., W Hissar Mt. Range, Guldara gorge, 18.iii.1991, Legezin leg. ( SKPC) .

Diagnosis. Gena laterally rounded or narrowly and obliquely truncate, anterolateral angle usually rounded, posterolateral angle obtuse or indistinct ( Fig. 35 ); gena usually 1.8–2.0 times as large as eye width or rarely gena can be up to 2.4–2.5 times as large as eye width and anterolateral angle rather sharp (recorded in specimens from southern part of the species area—Hissar Mountain Range). Punctation of head and pronotum rather coarse and relatively large ( Fig. 5 ). Elytra finely shagreened, with fine simple punctation; elytral striae distinct and partly impressed with convex interstriae in specimens from most of the species area ( Fig. 5 ), but in populations from Hissar Range specimens with superficial striae are prevailed. Dorsal surface of the body with rather distinct metallic cupreous, bronze, less often golden-bronze, bluish or greenish tinge, in older and abraded specimens dorsal surface sometimes nearly black. Parameres comparatively narrow, curved inward and usually slightly widened apically ( Figs. 15–16 ). Sclerotized apex of endophallus resembles a subrectangular (longer than wide) plate, in dorsal view with a pair of lobes (about as long as basal part of sclerite) anteriorly and deep suboval emargination between them, lobes about as long as basal part of sclerite or only slightly shorter, sclerite laterally subparallel-sided ( Fig. 28 ). Comparatively small species, body length 9–16 mm.

Distribution. Eastern Uzbekistan, southwestern Kyrgyzstan and northwestern Tajikistan. Widespread on the foothills and midlands of Hissar-Alai, known from Nuratau, Malguzar, western and central part of Turkestan, west of Zarafshan and west of Hissar Mountain Ranges (see map, Fig. 44 ).

Ecology. The species inhabits steppe landscapes of foothills and mountains up to beginning of the juniper belt ( Figs. 46–47 ) at altitudes from about 1000 to 2100 m. Activity of imago is recorded from mid February ( Nikolajev 2003) to late May. The species occurs sympatrically with L. nuratavicus and L. shakhristanicus from Nuratau Mountain Range to the system of Turkestan Mountain Range.

Notes. The type material of L. puncticollis must be studied. This name is considered as a junior synonym of L. microbuccis by Semenov (1894) and subsequent authors ( Nikolajev 2003; Nikolajev et al. 2016). But according to the type locality (Samarkand) and characters from the description (elytra with faint bluish tinge) ( Kraatz 1882) this name can be a senior synonym of L. nuratavicus (known from Nuratau Mountain Range northwards from Samarkand).

Figures

FIGURE 44. Map of distribution Lethrus (Mesolethrus) species: 1, Tashsay env.; 2, south from Belovutsoy River; 3, Khujand; 4, Golbo; 5, 9 km S Ai-Kol; 6, Shahriston env.; 7, Zaamin env.; 8, 28 km SW Zaamin; 9, Sudzhina; 10, Mullabulak; 11, Asmansay; 12, Jangiqishlak env.; 13, 11 km southeast of Djush; 14, Samarkand; 15, 65 km on Samarkand to Qarshi road; 16, Qaynarbuloq; 17, Ruskishlak; 18, 30 km East to Kitab, Qashqadaryo Riv.; 19, Qamar; 20, Guldara; 21, Qarshi; 22, Gumbulok; 23, Okravot Pass; 24, Shurob; 25, Boysun; 26, 20 km W Oqmachit; 27, Chagam; 28, Oqmachit; 29, Shahrinav; 30, Dushanbe env.; 31, Dahanakiik; 32, Yavon; 33, Chormagzak Pass.; 34, Fayzobod; 35, Nurek; 36, Pashtamazar; 37, Kulob. 1–2, 7–8, 10–28 Uzbekistan; 4–5 Kyrgyzstan, 3, 6, 9, 29–37 Tajikistan. Red circles—localities of L. dyonini A. Shapovalov & Bagaturov, new species (1—type locality: Tashsay); circles with green colour—localities of L. microbuccis Ballion, 1871 (3—type locality: Khujand); circles with white colour—localities of L. shakhristanicus Nikolajev, 2003 (6—type locality: Shahriston env.); circles with blue colour—localities of L. nuratavicus Nikolajev, 1987 (11—type locality: Asmansay); circles with yellow colour— localities of L. elisae Nikolajev, 2001 (24—type locality: Shurob); circles with orange colour—localities of L. inermis Reitter, 1897 (37—type locality: Kulab?); orange asterisk—Kyrgyzstan, Taldyk (erroneous record of L. inermis from Protzenko 1968).

FIGURE 45. Lethrus (Mesolethrus) microbuccis Ballion, 1871, habitus (Kyrgyzstan, between Isfana and Golbo; photograph in nature by D. Milko).

FIGURE 46. Locality of L. microbuccis Ballion, 1871, L. shakhristanicus Nikolajev, 2003 and L. nuratavicus Nikolajev, 1987, 28 km southwest of Zaamin, Malguzar Mountain Range, Jizzax Region, Uzbekistan, photograph by S. Dyonin.

FIGURE 47. Locality of L. shakhristanicus and L.microbuccis (green lowland infront of the more distant mountains) southwards Ai-Kol, Turkestan Mountain Range, Batken Reg., Kyrgyzstan, photograph by A. Zhdanko.

FIGURES 5–8. Lethrus (Mesolethrus) species, habitus. 5, L. microbuccis Ballion, 1871 (9 km S Ai-Kol); 6, L. elisae Nikolajev, 2001 (Shurob); 7–8, L. dyonini A. Shapovalov & Bagaturov, new species (environs of Tashsay), 7—holotype, 8—allotype. 5–7—males, 8—female.

FIGURES 9–31. Lethrus (Mesolethrus) species, males genitalia. 9–10, 22–23, L. inermis Reitter, 1897 (9–10—20 km W Oqmachit, 22–23—Pashtamazar); 11–12, 24, L. shakhristanicus Nikolajev, 2003 (9 km S Ai-Kol); 13–14, 25–27, L. nuratavicus Nikolajev, 1987 (28 km SW Zaamin); 15–16, 28, L. microbuccis Ballion, 1871 (Golbo env.); 15–16, 28, L. microbuccis Ballion, 1871 (Golbo env.); 17–18, 29, L. elisae Nikolajev, 2001 (Shurob); 19–21, 30–31, L. dyonini A. Shapovalov & Bagaturov, new species, paratypes (environs of Tashsay). 9–21 aedeagus (9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19–20—ventral view; 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21—lateral view), 22–31 sclerotized apex of endophallus (22, 24, 25, 28–30 dorsal view, 23, 26, 31—lateral view, 27—ventral view).

FIGURES 32–43. Lethrus (Mesolethrus) species. 32, 39, L. inermis Reitter, 1897 (Dahanakiik); 33, L. shakhristanicus Nikolajev, 2003 (9 km S Ai-Kol); 34, L. nuratavicus Nikolajev, 1987 (28 km SW Zaamin); 35, 40–42, L. microbuccis Ballion, 1871 (35, 41—Golbo env., 39—Mullabulak, 40—20 km S Guldara); 36, L. elisae Nikolajev, 2001 (Shurob); 37–38, 40–41, L. dyonini A. Shapovalov & Bagaturov, new species, paratypes (environs of Tashsay). 32–37 gena, 38 left mandible, 39 abdomen (lateral view), 40–41 abdomen and apices of elytra (antero-ventral view; 40—male, 41—female), 42–43 tuft of long erect setae on subapical ventrite (lateral view; 42—male, 43—female).

FIGURES 1–4. Lethrus (Mesolethrus) species, male, habitus. 1–2, L. inermis Reitter, 1897 (1—Dahanakiik; 2—20 km W Oqmachit); 3, L. shakhristanicus Nikolajev, 2003 (9 km S Ai-Kol); 4, L. nuratavicus Nikolajev, 1987 (28 km SW Zaamin).