Lethrus (Mesolethrus) nuratavicus Nikolajev, 1987

(Figs. 4, 13–14, 25–27, 34)

Lethrus (Furcilethrus) nuratavicus Nikolajev, 1987: 41 (original description, type locality: “ Nuratau Mountain Range, Asmansay gorge” [Jizzakh Region of Uzbekistan], Fig. 48 (parameres of holotype), fig. 49 (head)).

Lethrus (Mesolethrus) nuratavicus: Nikolajev 2003: 130 (key, characteristic, distribution: Fig. 90 Nr. 1, parameres: Fig. 91 Nr. 1); Král & Nikolajev 2006: 94 (catalogue); Bagaturov & Nikolajev 2015: 312 (distribution); Nikolajev et al. 2016: 50 (catalogue).

Type material examined. Paratypes. 2 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀: “Uzb. [ekistan, Jizzax Region] Nuratau [ Mountain Range] Asmansay [,] 15.v.1986, [G.] Nikolajev [leg.]”, “Paratypus Lethrus nuratavicus Nikolajev ” [printed red text on white paper] (GNPC); 1 ♂: same data (SKPC) .

Additional material examined. Uzbekistan. 4 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀: Uzbekistan, Jizzax Reg., 28 km SW Zaamin, Malguzar Mt. Range, 39°43’12”N 68°14’57”E, 2000 m a.s.l., 9.v.2014, S. Dyonin & I. Dyonina leg. (MBPC); 3 ♂♂ 1 ♀: same locality and collectors, 17.iv.2021 (ASPC) .

Diagnosis. Gena nearly rectangular: laterally widely truncate, anterolateral and posterolateral angle near right; gena 2–2.4 times as large as eye width (Figs. 4, 34). Punctation of head and pronotum comparatively coarse and larger, than in L. shakhristanicus, elytral striae thin and superficial (Fig. 4). Dorsal surface of body with faint blue tinge (Fig. 4), in older and abraded specimens—black. Parameres wide, near straight along the inner edge, in lateral view apically appearing acuminate (Figs. 13–14). Sclerotized apex of endophallus narrow at the base, in dorsal view distinctly elongated, anteriorly rounded (Figs. 25–27). Body length 14–19 mm.

Distribution. Uzbekistan. Nuratau Mountain Range and Malguzar Mountain Range in the system of Turkestan Mountain Range (see map, Fig. 44).

Ecology. The species inhabits steppe landscapes of foothills and mountains up to beginning of the juniper belt (Figs. 46) at altitudes from about 1000 to 2000 m. Activity of imago is recorded from middle of April to late May. The species occurs sympatrically with L. shakhristanicus and L. microbuccis .