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 Author Published, First text Zootaxa 2007 2007-03-08 1421 1 72 journal article 1175­5334 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.