Lucanus kraatzi

Zhan, Zhihong & Young, Daniel K., 2023, A taxonomic assessment and redefinition of the Lucanus fortunei species group in China (Coleoptera: Lucanidae: Lucaninae), Zoological Systematics 48 (4), pp. 279-360 : 333-334

3.4 The Lucanus kraatzi species group, sensu novo

Description. Male: 1) ratio of mandibular length to length of head and pronotumfor Lucanus kraatzi species group is 1.2–1.75; 2) shape of each major inner mandibular tooth is usually triangular, slender, or single-pointed, not flattened on both sides; 3)>3 small inner mandibular teeth (denticles) located above and below major inner mandibular tooth; 4) clypeolabrum well developed, strongly protruding at middle, triangular apically; 5) posterolateral margin of head usually flat, less than 1.25× pronotal width; 6) prothoracic tibiae each bearing approximately four small, weakly developed spines from apex to midlength; mesothoracic tibiae each bearing 2–3 spines along midlength; 7) elytra unicolorous, covered with vestiture of yellowish setae; 8) basal aedeagus stout, enlarged along midlength of entire aedeagus. Female: 1) apical mandibular teeth straight and not incurved distally, not forming acute angle; 2) right inner mandibular tooth broad and flat along inner ridges, with anterior tip slightly behind apex of mandible, not forming a gap behind apical mandible, asymmetrical to left inner mandibular tooth; 3) apex of pronotum not enlarged, usually subequal in width to posterolateral pronotal ridges; 4) prothoracic tibiae weakly enlarged, 2nd distal spine slightly larger than 3rd and 4th; 5) preocular region forming acute angles anteriorly; postocular margins weakly developed, narrower than width of preocluar margins.

Body length 37.7–45.0 or 60.0– 72.3 mm (Major ♂), 32.4–36.0 or 50.0–59.0 mm (Median ♂), <31.0 or <49.0 mm (Minor ♂); 28.5–30.2 mm (♀).

Distribution. Distributed in Southwest of China, including Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Xizang Provinces.

Natural history. Adults. Adults of the L. kraatzi species group are active from mid-August to end September. Males tend to fly during the night and are attracted to light. The host plants species for this group are unknown, excepting L. kraatzi kraatzi . the altitudinal range for these species is 1200–2200 m. Adult longevity is usually 4–6 weeks. Larvae. There is little known of larvae in this species group. Females usually tend to randomly oviposit eggs under laboratory conditions. Some records indicate that moss could be applied as a supplement for female ovipositional behavior. Larvae underwent three instars within 24 months under laboratory conditions. There are no published records of larvae having been reared for members of this species group. Key for Lucanus kraatzi species group (♂).

1. Body covered with vestiture of long, yellowish setae ................................................................................................................ L. dirki Only head and pronotum covered with vestiture of yellowish setae, elytra metallic............................................................................ 2

2. Mandibles straight along midlength, apical fork weakly developed .................................................................................................... 3 Mandibles incurved along midlength; apical fork strongly developed.................................................................................... L. nobilis

3. Posterior region of head behind eyes expanded, forming conspicuously rounded lobes, mandibles longer than length of head and pronotum .................................................................................................................................................................... L. kraatzi kraatzi Posterior region of head only slightly expanded, mandibles subequal in length to that of head and pronotum ...................................4

4. Major mandibular tooth prominent, single-pointed; apical fork strong incurved ............................................................. L. liupengyui Major mandibular tooth tridentate, apical fork weakly incurved ........................................................................................... L. shulini

Key for Lucanus kraatzi species group (♀).

1. Body covered with vestiture of short, yellowish setae .........................................................................................................................2 Body black, surface smooth .................................................................................................................................................... L. nobilis

2. Ponotal meson conspicuously convex; distal two prothoracic tibial spines well enlarged ...................................................................3 Pronotal meson weakly convex, first two prothoracic tibial spines weakly enlarged...........................................................................4

3. Head rugose, preocular margin emarginate, scutellum with lateral margins subparallel.................................................. L. liupengyui Head moderately punctate, preocular margin nearly straight, scutellum with lateral margins slightly convergent, distally ...... L. driki

4. Body slender, posteriolateral prontal margins wider than anteriolateral margins, elytral surface more setose........... L. kraatzi kraatzi Body stout, anteriolateral and posteriolateral margins subparallel, elytral surface less setose ............................................... L. shulini