A new cave-dwelling Laemostenus (Pristonychus) species from central Anatolia (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Sphodrini)

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Laemostenus (Pristonychus) violeta Fidan & Elverici, sp. nov., from Türkiye is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to the terricola species group of the subgenus Pristonychus. It is readily distinguished from congeners by the unique structure of the aedeagus (slender median lobe and distinct apical shape) and the vivid violaceous sheen of the elytra. The species was found in extremely high abundance in the guano-rich dark zone of Singildakli in (Hamambogazi) Cave, Central Anatolia, and was absent from a nearby guano-free cave. Its ecology indicates a guanophilic and troglophilic lifestyle, and it is currently known only from the type locality, suggesting a localized cave endemicity within the group.