Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini Jakovlev, 1889

Hillert, Oliver, Král, David, Bagaturov, Mikhail & Chuluunbaatar, Gantigmaa, 2024, Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) kucerai (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae: Lethrinae), a new species from China, Zootaxa 5529 (1), pp. 123-143 : 127-136

Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini Jakovlev, 1889

( Figs. 3–4 , 7–8, 10 , 12 , 14, 16 , 18, 20 , 22, 24 , 25–26, 28 )

Lethrus Potanini Jakovlev, 1889: 261 (original description); Kozlov 1923: 177 (note, distribution).

Heteroplistodus Potanini : Jakovlev 1890: 565 (key, classification).

Lethrus conformis Frivaldszky, 1890: 199 (original description, type locality “Inter Sou-tschou et Kan-tschou”); synonymized by Semenov (1891: 236).

Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) Potanini : Semenov 1891: 236 (classification), 1894: 7 (listed); Boucomont 1912: 35 (catalogue); Winkler 1929: 1041 (catalogue); Günther 1937: 131 (distribution).

Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) conformis : Semenov 1891: 236 (as syn. of L. potanini ), Semenov 1894: 7 (as syn. of L. potanini ); Boucomont 1912: 35 (as syn. of L. potanini ); Nikolajev 2003: 75 (as syn. of L. potanini ); Semenov & Medvedev 1936: 90 (as syn. of L. potanini ); Nikolajev 1971: 135 (as syn. of L. potanini ); Winkler 1929: 1041 (as syn. of L. potanini ); Král & Nikolajev 2006: 93 (as syn. of L. potanini ); Bagaturov & Nikolajev 2015: 311 (as syn. of L. potanini ); Nikolajev et al. 2016: 49 (as syn. of L. potanini ).

Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini : Nikolajev 2003: 75 (key, diagnosis, distribution, illustrations); Semenov 1934: 1396 (diagnosis); Semenov & Medvedev 1936: 90 (key, diagnosis, distribution, illustrations); Nikolajev 1971: 134 (key, diagnosis, distribution, illustrations); Nikolajev & Puntsagdulam 1984: 110 (key, diagnosis, distribution); Král & Nikolajev 2006: 93 (catalogue); Bagaturov & Nikolajev 2015: 311 (list, distribution); Nikolajev et al. 2016: 49 (catalogue); Ren et al. 2019: 156, tab. 19, fig. 3 (distribution); Schoolmeesters 2023 (online catalogue).

Lethrus potanini : Raymond 1933: 14 (behaviour, distribution); Endrődi 1964: 422 (distribution); 1969: 288 (distribution); Medvedev 1972: 447 (distribution); Puntsagdulam 1974: 133 (distribution); Grebenščikov 1985: 109 (ecology, distribution); Cendsuren & Ulykpan 1989: 78 (distribution, ecology); Wang et al. 1992: 76 (distribution); Anonymous 2005: 68 (distribution, habitat, conservation aspects); Ren 2010: 156 (distribution); Wang & Yang 2010: 175, tab. 15, fig. 183 (distribution); Yang et al. 2011: 144 (distribution); Krajcik 2012: 142 (catalogue); Bezborodov 2018: 531 (distribution).

Type locality. “ China et Mongolia ”.

Type material examined (8 specimens). Lethrus potanini . Lectotype ( Nikolajev 1971: 135), ♂ ( Fig. 26 ): “[round label, blue-blackish] || Mong. Centr. | 1886 | G. Patanin. [p] || Heteroplistodes | typ. potanini Jak. | B. Jakowlew det. [hw, p] || к. В. Яковлева [p] || Cotypus [p, red label] || 1 [hw] [p]”, ( ZMAS). Paralectotypes, “[round label, blue-blackish] || Mong. Centr. | 1886 | G. Patanin. [p] || Heteroplistodes | typ. potanini Jak. | B. Jakowlew det. [hw, p] || к. В. Яковлева [p] || Cotypus [p, red label] || 1 [hw] [p]”, 2 ♂♂ 1 ♀ ( ZMAS) .

Lethrus conformis . Lectotype (here designated), ♂ “Inter Szu-csou | et Kan-csou-fu. || VI Exp. Szécheny [p, hw] || Lethrus | conformis Friv. [hw] || Holotypus 1889 | Lethrus | conformis | J. Frivaldszky [p, hw] || Syntypus Lethrus | conformis Friv. | 1.09.1973 Nikolajev [p, hw] [p] ( HNHM)”. Paralectotypes, ♂ ( Fig. 25 ): “Inter Szu-csou | et Kan-csou-fu. || VI Exp. Szécheny [p, hw] || Paratypus 1889 | Lethrus | conformis Friv. [p, hw] [p] ( HNHM); Paralectotype, ♂, “Inter Szu-csou | et Kan-csou-fu. || VI Exp. Szécheny [p, hw] || Paratypus 1889 | Lethrus | conformis Friv. [p, hw] || Syntypus Lethrus | conformis Friv. | 1.09.1973 Nikolajev [p, hw] || L. potanini | Jak. [hw], [p]”, ( HNHM); ♀, “Inter Szu-csou | et Kan-csou-fu. || VI Exp. Szécheny [p, hw] || Paratypus 1889 | Lethrus | conformis Friv. [p, hw] || Syntypus Lethrus | conformis Friv. | 1.09.1973 Nikolajev [p, hw] || L. potanini | Jak. [hw] [p]”, ( HNHM).

Additional material examined (164 specimens). China, Gansu: 1 ♂, ex. coll. O. Hillert ( ZSMC), “China, Prov. Kansu. , Tscholo Shan ” [not mapped]; 5 spec. ( HBUM), Gansu, Zhangye, Shandan , 12.v.2011, Jia & Li lgt . China, Inner Mongolia: 1 ♂ ( ZMAS), S. Alashan, col. Bain-Khuduk, 2.– 4.vi. [19]09, ex. of Kozlov; 2 ♂♂ ( ZMAS), Alashan desert , beginning of x.–xi. [19]01, Kozlov and Kazakov; 2 spec. ( HBUM), Alashanyouqi , 21.vii.1988, Ren lgt.; 1 ♀, ex. coll. O. Hillert ( ZSMC) , 15 km SW Bayan Hot, 1400 m, 38°44'N 105°36'E, 1.vii.2011, S. Murzin lgt.; 2 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀, ex. coll. O. Hillert ( ZSMC) , 7–10 km W Bayan Hot, 1600 m, 38°48'N 105°31'E, 3.vii.2011, S. Murzin lgt.; 2 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀ ( NMPC) , E of Bayan Hot [= Alxa ], 38°51'N 105°47'E, 1700-2000m, 24.–25.vi. 2012, David Král lgt.; 1 ♂, 1 ♀, ex. coll. O. Hillert ( ZSMC) , E Bayan Hot , 1780 m, 38°48'N 105°44'E, 29.vi. –11.vii.2011, S. Murzin lg.; 1 ♂, 1 ♀ ( JSCP) , E Bayan Hot , 38.805N 105.748E, 29.vi.–11.vii.2011, S. Murzin lgt.; 1 ♀, ex. coll. O. Hillert ( ZSMC) , E Bayan Hot , 1700-1780 m, 39°02'N 105°53'E, 2.vii.2011, S. Murzin lgt.; 3 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀, ex. coll. O. Hillert ( ZSMC) , 1 ♀ ( JSCS) , E Bayan Hot , 1750–1800 m, 38°50'N 105°46'E, 3–6.viii.2011, T. Zhura lgt.; 1 spec. ( HBUM) , Dengkou , 27.vii.1988, Ren lgt.; 1 spec. ( HBUM) , Tangsag Bulag , 8.vii.1988, Ren lgt.; 1 ♀, ex. coll. O. Hillert ( ZSMC) , Gobi desert, 10 km SW Wuhai, Wuda. 8.v.1995, J. Halada lgt.; 2 spec. ( HBUM) , Wulatehouqi , 20.vii.2020, Zhang lgt . China, Ningxia: 1 spec. ( HBUM) , Zhongning, Baima , 3.iv.2016, Ren lgt.; 1 spec. ( HBUM) , Zhongwei, Gantang , 6.v.1992, Yu lgt.; 2 spec. ( HBUM) , Haiyuan , 30.v.1995, Ren lgt.; 1 spec. ( HBUM) , Lingwu , 19.v.1992, Ren lgt.; 1 spec. ( HBUM) , Pingluo , 5.viii.1989, Ren lgt.; 1 spec. ( HBUM) , Pingluo , 5.viii.1989, Ren lgt.; 2 ♂♂ ( NMPC) , Yongning Xian , 12.vii.1997, H. Makihara lgt.; 2 spec. ( HBUM) , Zhongwei , iv.1985, Ren lgt.; 5 ♂♂, 7 ♀♀ ( NMPC) , Xixia, Western Xia Tombs env. 38°26'20"N 105°58'32"E, 1400 m, 19.vi.2012, David Král lgt.; 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀, ex. coll. O. Hillert ( ZSMC) , Helan Shan, road to Suyukou National Forest Park , 28 km WNW Yinchuan, 38°37'46"N 105°57'05"E, 1404 m, 19.vi.2011, semi steppe, under stones, D. W. Wrase lgt. Not located: 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , “ China sept.”. Mongolia, Bulgan: 1 ♀ ( ZMAS) , Bulgan somon , 4.ix.1970, Puntsagdulam lgt.; 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , Omnogov’, Bulgan env., 16.iv.1972, Puntsagdulam lgt.; 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , S. Gobi aimak , 30 km N of Bulgan, 25.vii.1973, G. Medvedev . Mongolia, Dornogovi: 1 ♂ ( MBCP) , Eastern Gobi aimak, Agarut env., Emelyanov lgt., 27.vi. [1]971; 2 ♂♂ ( ZMAS) , Eastern Gobi aimak, 15 km N of Agarut, Emelyanov lgt., 28.vi.1971; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , 5 km N Agaruta , 28.vi.1971, B. Namkhaidorj, D. Myagmarsuren lgt.; 2 ♂♂ ( MBCP) , Eastern Gobi aimak, Bayanshire plateau, S. Sain-Shand, Eglon lgt., 24-25.vii.1949; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Dalanjargalan , 28.vii.2016, Jigmedmaa lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Hubsgula , 25 km NNW Hubsgula, 29.vi.1971, B. Namkhaidorj, D. Myagmarsuren lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Kharayra 50 km SO Kharayra, 12.vi.1971, B. Namkhaidorj, D. Myagmarsuren lgt.; 1 ♂, ex. coll. O. Hillert ( ZSMC) , East-Gobi Aimak , 1120 m, 7 km SW Khatan-Bulak, 43°07'N 109°03'E, 8.–9.viii. 2002, M. Danilevsky lgt.; 11 spec. ( HBUM) , Donggebi, Khatanbulag , 15.vii.2015, Sun lgt.; 1 ♀ ( VTCZ) , East-Gobi Aimak , 7 km SW Khatan-Bulak, 43°07'N 109°03'E, 1120 m, M. Danilevsky lgt.; 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , Eastern Gobi aimak , 25 km NNW Khuvsgel, 21.vi.1971, lgt. B. Namkhai, D. Mjagmar; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Mandakh 12 km NO Mandakh, 15.vi.1971, B. Namkhaidorj, D. Myagmarsuren lgt.; 1 ♂ ( MBCP) , Mongolia, S. Gobi aimak , 60 km ENE of Manlai, 15.vi.1971, G. Medvedev lgt.; 3 ♀♀ ( ZMAS) , same data but Emelyanov lgt., 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , same data but 17.vi. [1]971, Kozlov lgt.; 7 ♂♂, 1 ♀ ( JSCP) , Dornogovi pr., 100 km S of Saynshand, Burdene Bulag mts. , 1000 m, 14.–16.vii.2001, J. Schneider lgt. 2 ♀♀ ( ELIB) , 5 km NW Tengar Nura, 25.vi.1971, B. Namkhaidorj, D. Myagmarsuren lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Zuun bayan Argalant , 80 km SSO Zuun Bayan, 24.vi.1963, Kaszab lgt . Mongolia, Ömnögovi: 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , 20 km NO Aguit-Uly 24.vi.1971, B. Namkhaidorj, D. Myagmarsuren lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Bulgan, Bayanzag , 21.vi.1971, J. Puntsagdulam lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Bulgan , 12.v.1962, Mongol-Germany joint expedition ; 1 ♂ ( ELIB) , Bulgan , 26.v.1962, Mongol-Germany joint expedition ; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Bulgan , 24.vi.1971, J. Puntsagdulam lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Bulgan , 31.vii.1971, J. Puntsagdulam lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Bulgan , 08.viii.1971, J. Puntsagdulam lgt.; 1 ♂ ( ELIB) , Bulgan , 24.vii.1971, J. Puntsagdulam lgt.; 2 ♀♀ ( NMPC) , Gobi , 100 km E Dalanzadgad, vi.1986, Pauliš lgt.; 1 ♂ ( VTCZ) , Gobi, 100 km SW Dalanzadgad, Bayan-Dalai , 1.–2.vii.2003, Saxaulus desert, J. Halada lgt.; 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , S. Gobi aimak , Khongorin-els , 60 km WNW Bann-Dalay, 30.–31.vii. [1]976, Zaitsev lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ZMAS) , Omnogov’ aimak, env. of Khurmek [not mapped], 15.v.1962, A. Tsendsuren lgt.; 1 ♂, 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Manlai , 24.viii.2011, Gantigmaa lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Manlay , 60 km ONO Manlay, 15.vi.1971, B. Namkhaidorj, D. Myagmarsuren lgt.; 1 ♂ ( ELIB) , Manlay , 45 km ONO Manlay, 15.vii.1971, B. Namkhaidorj, D. Myagmarsuren lgt.; 1 ♂ ( JSCP) , Mušugaj ; 1 ♀ ( ZMAS) , Mongolia, 55 km SSW of Nomgon, 9.viii. [19]67, Kerzhner lgt.; 1 ♀ ( ZMAS) , Birzon-Gobi , 50 km S Nomgon, 9.viii. [1]967, Zaitsev lgt.; 1 ♂ ( ZMAS), S. Gobi aimak, 60 km E of brook Talin-Bilgekh-Bulak, Zaitsev lgt., 19.viii. [1]1969 . Mongolia, Öwörchangai: 1 ♂ ( MBCP) , Omno-gov’ aimak, env. of Bajan-Dalai , 15.vi.1967, lgt. A. Tsendsuren; 1 ♀ ( ELIB) , Hanbogd Bayan brigade, Sookheni sand , 20.vii.1974, N. City; 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , Eastern Gobi aimak, 20 km ENE kol. [?] Tal-Khongorin-Khuduk, Emelyanov lgt. 2.vii. [1]971; 1 ♂ ( ELIB) , Bulgan, Ulaan Nuur , 07.ix.1971, J. Puntsagdulam lgt.; 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , S. Gobi aimak , Mount. Tzagan-Ula, Nemegetu valley, Eglon lgt., 6. –18.viii.1949; 1 ♀ ( ZMAS) , Uvurkhangai [= Öwörchangai], Artz-Bogd [not located], 18.vi.1962, lgt. A. Tsegdouren; 1 ♂ ( ELIB), Mongol-Germany joint expedition, 26.v.1962 . Mongolia, Töv: 1 ♂ ( NMPC), 150 km SW of Ulanbatar, river Tula , vi.1983, J. Fuchs lgt. [not mapped]. Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar: 1 ♂ ( NMPC), 30 km E of Ulanbatar, sands, vi.1986, P. Marzin lgt. Not located: 1 ♂, 4 ♀♀ ( ZMAS) , Budurganin-khuduk , 24.–28.v. [19]09, ex. of Kozlov; 2 ♂♂ ( ZMAS) , Centr. Mongolia, S. pr. Dundu-sankhang [?], 18.vi.–2.vii. [19]09, ex. of Kozlov; 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , Din-uan-in, Kureto [?], 4.– 7.v. [19]09, ex. of Kozlov; 2 ♂♂ ( ZMAS) , col. Kuku-shande, Dizhintata, 4.– 5.vi. [19]09, ex. of Kozlov; 2 ♂♂ ( ZMAS) , Alashan , Dyn-Yuan-in, 20.–25.iv.[10]09, ex. of Kozlov; 1 ♂ ( ZMAS) , Gobi , col. Sabura; 2 ♀♀ ( ZMAS) , Col. Tsatkholung, Kharmiktan-Kuduk, 1.vi. [19]09, ex. of Kozlov; 2 ♂♂ ( ZMAS) , Lan-gzhou-fu, Khuan-khe [river] coast, 25.iii. [19]09, ex. of Kozlov; 1 ♀ ( ZMAS) , S. Gobi aimak, 25 km ENE Monlay, lgt. Kerzhner, 16.vi. [1]971; 2 ♂♂ ( ZMAS) , Eastern Gobi aimak, 5 km W of lake Tenger-nur, Kozlov lgt., 25.vi. [1]971; 3 ♂♂ ( ZMAS) , Eastern Gobi aimak, 5 km W of lake Tenger-nur, Emelyanov lgt., 25.vi. [1]971; 2 ♂♂ ( ZMAS), S. Gobi aimak, 30 km NE Tsailan outpost, 25.vii.1969, Zaitsev .

Redescription of lectotype (♂) ( Fig. 25 ). Maximally developed (hyperthelic) male with well developed ventral mandible processes ( Fig. 25 ). Body oblong, length 17 mm, strongly convex; dorsal surface blackish with blue tinge, claws brownish to pale, setation blackish brown; moderately shiny.

Head ( Fig. 25 ). Labrum bilobed, asymmetrical, right lobe remarkably more developed; surface rugose and shiny. Clypeus transverse, trapezoidal with anterior angles rounded, anterior margin strongly bent upward at middle. Frontal impressions vague horseshoe-shaped, frontal tubercles elongated and strongly rounded. Frontoclypeal suture weakly present only laterally; keels separating eye canthus from frons distinctly, slightly divergent posteriad. Eye canthus exceeding eyes, projecting anterolaterad, almost pointed, lateral margins divergent anteriad, anterolateral angle moderately pointed and bend upward, oblique keel above eyes absent. Pleurostomal process rounded and truncate, not exceeding ventrolateral mandible outline. Punctation of frons feeble; punctures separated by approximately their diameter; clypeus and eye canthus comparably punctate, weakly less intensive.

Mandibles approximately symmetrical, external outline more or less parallel, apical almost semicircular ( Fig. 25 ) with maximum width approximately at middle of mandibles length. Dorsal surface of mandible completely flat, without any slanting, transverse carina or hornlike protrusion. Ventral mandible processes ( Figs. 7–8 , 12 ) strongly asymmetrical. Left process well developed, long and tapering, obliquely pointed without appendages or keels, directed from base of left mandible lower edge towards apical part of right mandible, not extending mandibular outline in dorsal view, in frontal aspect subparallel with mandibles in frontal view; right process strongly reduced, pointed, as short as thick basally.

Pronotum ( Fig. 25 ) transverse, distinctly broader than base of elytra, broadest just at middle; lateral margin only weakly widened and entirely weakly bordered, shallowly crenulate over whole length. Anterior angles broadly rounded, basal margin straight and finely bordered, anterior margin emarginate and entirely shallowly punctate. Punctation of dorsal surface coarse, deep and distinctly impressed, separated by approximately twice or more their diameters discally; surface near lateral margins roughly punctured.

Scutellum considerably short, almost as long as wide, glabrous.

Elytra ( Fig. 25 ) almost semicircular, apices not prominent, each apex forming semicircular rounding. Striae visible, weakly irregular wrinkled structure of surface. Lateral margin weakly elevated in anterior quarter, strongly narrowed apicad. Epipleura distinct and broadly elevated, reaching elytral apex.

Legs. Profemora with indistinct transversal edge anteroventrally; protibia with row of nine gradually proximad diminishing exterior denticles, and with row of pointed or broad tubercles on ventromedial edge. Apical spur of protibia pointed.

Aedeagus ( Figs. 20 , 22 ). Parameres broadly rounded apically.

Differential diagnosis. Refer to character matrix on Table 1 .

Measurements. Total body length 13–19 mm.

Distribution. China (Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia), Mongolia (Bulgan, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Ömnögovi, Övörkhangay). First province records from Töv and Ulaanbaatar.

Note. In the type series we had examined two different taxa we found. A lectotype of Lethrus potanini was designated by Nikolajev (1971: 135). The labeling of the types shows that these are different localities within the series, “Mong. Centr.” [undefined region in central Mongolia] and “Ordos” [large plateau in the bent of river Huang He] ( Fig. 29 ) are indicated. The specimen from central Mongolia was selected as the lectotype of “ Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 ”, since this specimen can clearly classified in the sense of the original description ( Jakovlev 1889). Lethrus (H.) potanini is widely distributed in northern China (Inner Mongolia, Ningxia) and southern parts of Mongolia. The specimens from the locality “Ordos” (ZMAS) we rank to the new species L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov , new species, described here and labeled as a paralectotype of “ Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 ”. So far, the new described species L. (H.) kucerai is known from the type series from Shaanxi ( China) and the paralectotype of L. (H.) potanini (see type material of L. (H.) kucerai ). However, more paralectotypes from the locality “Ordos” exist, shown in Fig. 30 published in an advertisement by Sawada (1996).

Lethrus conformis Frivaldszky, 1890 was synonymized by Semenov (1891). Due to a nomenclatural stability, a lectotype is designated here to fix the uniqueness of the species Lethrus conformis (Article 74, ICZN). The type material is associated with the locality “Inter Szu-csou [= between Shuoyhou] et Kan-csou-fu [= and Zhangye]”. It is possibly a road leading from Shuozhou to Zhangye. In the original description, the spelling of the type locality differs somewhat from the original labeling (Inter Sou-tschou et Kan-tschou). The possible location of the places is shown on map ( Fig. 29 ).

Figures

FIGURE 29. Map of distribution area of Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini species group. Black circles represent records of L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species, red circles represent records of L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889, empty circles are type localities, The type locality of Lethrus conformis Frivaldszky, 1890 [= Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini Jakovlev, 1889] is possibly a road leading from Shuozhou to Zhangye and is marked with a line (see the text, for details).

FIGURE 30 A–B. Habitat of Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species at the type locality, near the Great Wall of China (Shaanxi, Yulin, July 2009). Photo by Emil Kučera.

FIGURES 1–4. Dorsal habitus of Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini species group. 1–2, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species (1 holotype, 2 allotype); 3–4, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 (3 male, Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3–6.viii.2011, 4 female, Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 2.vii.2011).

FIGURES 5–10. Head of Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini species group. 5–8 in lateral view. 5–6, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype (5 left, 6 right); 7–8, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 (Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3–6.viii.2011) (7 left, 8 right). 9–10 in dorsal view. 9, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype; 10, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 (Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3–6.viii.2011).

FIGURES 11–12. Head in frontal view of Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini species group. 11, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype; 12, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 (Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3–6.viii.2011).

FIGURES 13–16. Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini species group in dorsal view. 13–16 genae. 13, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype; 14, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 (Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3–6.viii.2011). 15–16 elytra. 15, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype; 16, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 (Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3–6.viii.2011).

FIGURES 17–20. Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini species group. 17–18 half of pronotum in dorsal view. 17, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype; 18, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 (Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3– 6.viii.2011). 19–20 aedeagus, apical part of parameres in dorsal view.19, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype; 20, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 (Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3–6.viii.2011).

FIGURES 21–24. Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini species group. 21–22 aedeagus, apical part of parameres in lateral view. 21, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype; 22, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 (Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3–6.viii.2011). 23–24 apical spur of protibia. 23, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype; 24, L. (H.) potanini (Inner Mongolia, Bayan Hot [Alxa], 3–6.viii.2011).

FIGURES 25–28. Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini species group. 25–27 habitus in dorsal view. 25, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 lectotype; 26, L. conformis Frivaldszky, 1890 lectotype; 27, L. (H.) potanini paralectotype [= L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species]. 28 labels of types. A, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 paralectotype [L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species]; B, L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889 paralectotype; C, Lethrus conformis Frivaldszky, 1890 lectotype; D, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species holotype; E, L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov, new species allotype.

Tables

TABLE 1. Character matrix for the differential diagnosis of males of the Lethrus (Heteroplistodus) potanini species group.

	L. (H.) potanini Jakovlev, 1889	L. (H.) kucerai Hillert, Král & Bagaturov , new species
shape of genae margin	outer edge irregularly serrated (Fig. 14)	outer edge irregular (Fig. 13)
surface of head	less roughly wrinkled and punctate, shallowly sculptured (Fig. 10)	roughly wrinkled and punctate, distinctly sculptured (Fig. 9)
surface of pronotum	less roughly wrinkled and punctate, shallowly sculptured (Fig. 18)	roughly wrinkled and punctate, distinctly sculptured (Fig. 17)
surface of elytra	weakly sulcate and sparsely wrinkled, striae deeper (Fig. 16)	coarsely sulcate and wrinkled, striae shallower (Fig. 15)
lateral pronotal margin	weakly broadened, weakly flattened (Fig. 18)	significantly broadened and flattened (Fig. 17)
lateral elytral margin	weakly broadened and flattened in frontal quarter, margin over length to apex distinctly shallow (Fig. 16)	significantly broadened and flattened at frontal quarter, margin weak but noticeable over length to apex (Fig. 15)
apical spur of protibia	apex pointed (Fig. 24)	apex bifurcate (Fig. 23)
shape of elytron	not elongate, shorter, distinctly convex (Fig. 16)	elongate from base to apex, weakly convex (Fig. 15)
aedeagus	as in Figs. 20, 22	as in Figs. 19, 21