Ocypus (Pseudocypus) xerxes, Published, 2007

Published, First, 2007, Contributions to the knowledge of the “ Staphylinus-complex ” (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini) of China. Part XX. The genus Ocypus Leach, 1819, subgenus Pseudocypus Mulsant & Rey, 1876. Section 1, Zootaxa 1421, pp. 1-72 : 37

Ocypus (Pseudocypus) xerxes sp. nov.

( Figs. 140–146)

Type material. Holotype (male) and allotype (female): CHINA: Sichuan: “CHINA Sichuan Xuecheng Sammo 3500 m 31°46.29'N 103°07.15'E 1.VII.2004 M. Janata ” ( ASC).

Paratypes: CHINA: Sichuan: same data as holotype, 19 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀ ( ASC, MSC) .

Diagnosis. Ocypus xerxes shares most of the character states with O. elpenor , but differs from it mainly by the differently shaped aedoeagus and tergite 10 of the female genital segment, and by a few additional characters, as given in the description.

Description. Male. Sternite 8 with medioapical emargination slightly narrower and less deep. Sternite 9 of genital segment similar, but with medioapical emargination narrower, less deep, obtusely angular ( Fig. 140). Tergite 10 similar to that of O. elpenor , but more densely setose at apical margin ( Fig. 141). Aedoeagus ( Figs. 142–144) built in a similar way as that of O. elpenor , but apical portion of median lobe almost symmetrical, apex arcuate ( Fig. 143); paramere similar, but apical portion narrower, markedly more curved mediad, apex of paramere not reaching apex of median lobe; right margin of paramere, when paramere removed from median lobe and viewed with underside up, appearing obtusely angulate ( Fig. 144, 145); sensory peg setae on underside of paramere situated differently, apical setae reduced to one seta at left margin below apex ( Fig. 145).

Female. Tergite 10 of genital segment similar to that of O. elpenor , but wider and of different shape ( Fig. 146).

Length 15.0–18.0 mm.

Bionomics. The specimens of the original series were taken from pitfall traps, but no details are known about the habitat the traps were set in.

Geographical distribution. Ocypus xerxes is at present known only from the type locality in Sichuan .

Recognition and comments. Ocypus xerxes may be positively distinguished from O. elpenor by the characteristically shaped aedoeagus, in combination with the shape of tergite 10 of the female genital segment ( Figs. 139, 146).

Several specimens of the original series are in poor shape (missing appendages, broken body parts), obviously as a result of prolonged exposure to the fluids in the pitfall traps.

Etymology. The specific epithet is the name of Xerxes, - is, m, the celebrated king of Persia, in apposition.