The first complete mitochondrial genome of a Lethrus species (Coleoptera, Geotrupidae) with phylogenetic implications.

The flightless beetle genus Lethrus Scopoli, 1777 (Geotrupidae, Scarabaeoidea) has a large distribution area throughout Eurasia and is characterized by many species, especially in Middle Asia. Despite this diversity and the potential importance as models for speciation, Lethrus species are underrepresented in molecular databases. To fill this gap, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of Lethrusscoparius obtained using third-generation sequencing technology. The circular mitogenome is 24,944 bp long and has a structure characteristic of coleopterans. It contains 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and an A+T-rich non-coding region, the control region between the 12S rRNA and tRNA-Ile (GAU). The phylogenetic analysis of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea placed L.scoparius in the monophyletic family Geotrupidae, which is related to the family Scarabaeidae. The assembled mitochondrial genome is a valuable new genomic resource in the genus Lethrus and contributes to a better understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus and the entire family Geotrupidae.