Two new species of the genus Symphylella (Symphyla, Scolopendrellidae) from China and the significance of the frons chaetotaxy

Zookeys. 2023 Jan 5:1138:143-160. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.1138.96424. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Symphylellamacrochaeta sp. nov. and Symphylellalongispina sp. nov. from China are described and illustrated. Symphylellamacrochaeta sp. nov. is characterized by 10 extremely long macrosetae arranged as 4/4/2 on the frons, tergites with broad triangular processes, and 4+4 setae on the first tergite. Symphylellalongispina sp. nov. is characterized by a thick and prominent labrum, distinctly long proximal spines on the mandible, eight macrosetae arranged as 4/2/2 on frons, 3+3 setae on first tergite, and narrow triangular processes on the tergites. Detailed comparisons of the new species with similar species are presented. In addition, the frons chaetotaxy of Symphylella is illustrated and discussed for the first time and proposed as a significant diagnostic character for the taxonomic study of the genus.

Keywords: Chaetotaxy; Myriapoda; frons; mandible; taxonomy.

Grants and funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Research Foundation of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.