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

The flightless beetle genus <i>Lethrus</i> 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, <i>Lethrus</i> species are underrepresented in molecular databases. To fill this gap, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of <i>Lethrusscoparius</i> 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-<i>Ile</i> (GAU). The phylogenetic analysis of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea placed <i>L.scoparius</i> 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 <i>Lethrus</i> and contributes to a better understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus and the entire family Geotrupidae.