Redescription of the enigmatic myriapod Hanseniellachilensis (Hansen, 1903) (Symphyla, Scutigerellidae) based on scanning electron microscope images of Chilean specimens

Abstract

Hanseniellachilensis is the only myriapod of the class Symphyla known from Chile. This garden centipede, or pseudocentipede, was described more than 120 years ago based on morphologically incomplete specimens collected in central Chile, a well-known biodiversity hotspot. In this study, we redescribe this species based on morphologically complete specimens collected near the type locality using scanning electron microscope images. Our study provides the description of diagnostic characters hitherto unknown in this species such as macrochaetae of the tergites and spinnerets of the cerci. We also include a new record from central Chile and discuss the presumed presence of this species in Argentina and Madagascar.

Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot; Chile; Myriapoda; SEM images; biogeography; garden centipede; pseudocentipede; soil-dwelling arthropod; symphylans; taxonomy.