Latest Articles from ZooKeys Latest 12 Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:01:08 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zookeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ A new species of Otostigmus (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae) from China, with remarks on the phylogenetic relationships of Otostigmus politus Karsch, 1881 https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/82750/ ZooKeys 1168: 161-178

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1168.82750

Authors: Tian-Yun Chen, Chao Jiang, Lu-Qi Huang

Abstract: Through a combination of morphological and DNA data, a new scolopendrid centipede from southern and southwestern China was revealed: O. tricarinatus sp. nov. The species belong to the politus group but has three sharp tergal keels. Validation of phylogenetic status was performed through molecular analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S rRNA, and 28S rRNA sequences from 16 Otostigmus species. Otostigmus tricarinatus sp. nov. was found to be two populations and varied in the number of spines on the ultimate prefemur, the sutures on a sternite, and a pore-free median longitudinal strip in the pore field. The Yunnan-Guizhou plateau population of O. tricarinatus sp. nov. was sister to the clade O. politus politus + O. politus yunnanensis + Guangxi population of O. tricarinatus sp. nov. with strong support from both BI (bayesian inference) and ML (maximum likelihood) analyses (PP = 1, BS = 97%).

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Research Article Thu, 29 Jun 2023 18:19:22 +0300
The revalidation of Otostigmus (O.) lewisi Song et al., 2005 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae) based on new material from Jiacha County, China https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/77703/ ZooKeys 1088: 41-52

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1088.77703

Authors: Xiaoshuang Liu, Yixuan Li, Zhiyong Di

Abstract: Otostigmus (O.) lewisi Song et al., 2005 was described from sub-adult specimens from Jiacha County (Xizang, China), but was synonymized by Lewis (2010) with the Nepalese species O. (O.) beroni Lewis, 2001. The latter was also recorded from Jilong County (Xizang, China) by Song et al. (2005). Following a comparison of O. (O.) beroni from Jilong County with new materials of O. (O.) lewisi from Jiacha County, we reaffirm that O. (O.) lewisi is a valid species.

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Research Article Fri, 4 Mar 2022 16:20:06 +0200
Five million years in the darkness: A new troglomorphic species of Cryptops Leach, 1814 (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha) from Movile Cave, Romania https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/58537/ ZooKeys 1004: 1-26

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1004.58537

Authors: Varpu Vahtera, Pavel Stoev, Nesrine Akkari

Abstract: A new species of Cryptops Leach, 1814, C. speleorex sp. nov., is described from Movile Cave, Dobrogea, Romania. The cave is remarkable for its unique ecosystem entirely dependent on methane- and sulfur-oxidising bacteria. Until now, the cave was thought to be inhabited by the epigean species C. anomalans, which is widespread in Europe. Despite its resemblance to C. anomalans, the new species is well-defined morphologically and molecularly based on two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I COI and 16S rDNA) and one nuclear (28S rDNA) markers. Cryptops speleorex sp. nov. shows a number of troglomorphic traits such as a generally large body and elongated appendages and spiracles, higher number of coxal pores and saw teeth on the tibia of the ultimate leg. With this record, the number of endemic species known from the Movile Cave reaches 35, which ranks it as one of the most species-rich caves in the world.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Dec 2020 11:26:11 +0200
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Scolopendra mutilans L. Koch, 1878 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae), with a comparative analysis of other centipede genomes https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/47820/ ZooKeys 925: 73-88

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.925.47820

Authors: Chaoyi Hu, Shuaibin Wang, Bisheng Huang, Hegang Liu, Lei Xu, Zhigang Hu, Yifei Liu

Abstract: Scolopendra mutilans L. Koch, 1878 is an important Chinese animal with thousands of years of medicinal history. However, the genomic information of this species is limited, which hinders its further application. Here, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of S. mutilans was sequenced and assembled by next-generation sequencing. The genome is 15,011 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 14 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. Most PCGs start with the ATN initiation codon, and all PCGs have the conventional stop codons TAA and TAG. The S. mutilans mitogenome revealed nine simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and an obviously lower GC content compared with other seven centipede mitogenomes previously sequenced. After analysis of homologous regions between the eight centipede mitogenomes, the S. mutilans mitogenome further showed clear genomic rearrangements. The phylogenetic analysis of eight centipedes using 13 conserved PCG genes was finally performed. The phylogenetic reconstructions showed Scutigeromorpha as a separate group, and Scolopendromorpha in a sister-group relationship with Lithobiomorpha and Geophilomorpha. Collectively, the S. mutilans mitogenome provided new genomic resources, which will improve its medicinal research and applications in the future.

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Research Article Wed, 8 Apr 2020 16:41:13 +0300
On the taxonomic position of the enigmatic genus Tonkinodentus Schileyko, 1992 (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha): the first molecular data https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/33635/ ZooKeys 840: 133-155

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.840.33635

Authors: Arkady A. Schileyko, Evgeniya N. Solovyeva

Abstract: The taxonomic position of the monotypic Vietnamese genus Tonkinodentus Schileyko, 1992 (for T. lestes Schileyko, 1992) has been considered in the light of the first obtained molecular data. Both molecular (28S rRNA) and morphological data support the position of this extraordinary eye-less genus within the family Scolopendridae Leach, 1814, a sighted clade, and thus suggests the polyphyly of blind scolopendromorphs. The species diagnosis has been amended and color images of T. lestes provided for the first time.

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Research Article Wed, 17 Apr 2019 14:11:58 +0300
A taxonomic review of the centipede genus Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae) in mainland Southeast Asia, with description of a new species from Laos https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7950/ ZooKeys 590: 1-124

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.590.7950

Authors: Warut Siriwut, Gregory Edgecombe, Chirasak Sutcharit, Piyoros Tongkerd, Somsak Panha

Abstract: The centipede genus Scolopendra in mainland Southeast Asia is reviewed taxonomically based on morphological characters, informed by a molecular phylogenetic analysis using sequences from three mitochondrial and nuclear genes (COI, 16S rRNA and 28S rRNA). Eight nominal species of Scolopendra, namely S. morsitans Linnaeus, 1758, S. subspinipes Leach, 1816, S. dehaani Brandt, 1840, S. multidens Newport, 1844, S. calcarata Porat, 1876, S. japonica Koch, 1878, S. pinguis Pocock, 1891, and S. dawydoffi Kronmüller, 2012, are redescribed together with some revision of type materials. Geographical variation in each species has been compiled with reference to samples that span their distribution ranges in Southeast Asia and some parts of neighbouring areas such as East Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Africa. Comparative study of traditional taxonomic characters from external morphology provides further information to distinguish some closely related species. Scolopendra cataracta Siriwut, Edgecombe & Panha, sp. n., is described from the southern part of Laos, with additional records in Thailand and Vietnam. The phylogenetic framework for Southeast Asian Scolopendra recognizes S. calcarata + S. pinguis, S. morsitans, and a S. subspinipes group that unites the other six species as the main clades. Within the S. subspinipes group, two monophyletic groups can be distinguished by having either slender or short, thick ultimate leg prefemora and different numbers of apical spines on the coxopleuron. Scolopendra arborea Lewis, 1982, is placed in subjective synonymy with S. dehaani. A survey of external morphology of the genital segments confirms its potential for improving species identification in Scolopendra. Some observations on biology and behaviour are recorded based on field surveys in this area.

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Monograph Tue, 17 May 2016 02:06:26 +0300
Barcoding of Central European Cryptops centipedes reveals large interspecific distances with ghost lineages and new species records from Germany and Austria (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7535/ ZooKeys 564: 21-46

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.564.7535

Authors: Thomas Wesener, Karin Voigtländer, Peter Decker, Jan Philip Oeyen, Jörg Spelda

Abstract: In order to evaluate the diversity of Central European Myriapoda species in the course of the German Barcode of Life project, 61 cytochrome c oxidase I sequences of the genus Cryptops Leach, 1815, a centipede genus of the order Scolopendromorpha, were successfully sequenced and analyzed. One sequence of Scolopendra cingulata Latreille, 1829 and one of Theatops erythrocephalus Koch, 1847 were utilized as outgroups. Instead of the expected three species (C. parisi Brolemann, 1920; C. anomalans Newport, 1844; C. hortensis (Donovan, 1810)), analyzed samples included eight to ten species. Of the eight clearly distinguishable morphospecies of Cryptops, five (C. parisi; C. croaticus Verhoeff, 1931; C. anomalans; C. umbricus Verhoeff, 1931; C. hortensis) could be tentatively determined to species level, while a further three remain undetermined (one each from Germany, Austria and Croatia, and Slovenia). Cryptops croaticus is recorded for the first time from Austria. A single specimen (previously suspected as being C. anomalans), was redetermined as C. umbricus Verhoeff, 1931, a first record for Germany. All analyzed Cryptops species are monophyletic and show large genetic distances from one another (p-distances of 13.7–22.2%). Clear barcoding gaps are present in lineages represented by >10 specimens, highlighting the usefulness of the barcoding method for evaluating species diversity in centipedes. German specimens formally assigned to C. parisi are divided into three clades differing by 8.4–11.3% from one another; their intra-lineage genetic distance is much lower at 0–1.1%. The three clades are geographically separate, indicating that they might represent distinct species. Aside from C. parisi, intraspecific distances of Cryptops spp. in Central Europe are low (<3.3%).

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Research Article Tue, 16 Feb 2016 19:51:46 +0200
On the function of the ultimate legs of some Scolopendridae (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5542/ ZooKeys 510: 269-278

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.510.8674

Authors: Christian Kronmüller, John G.J. Lewis

Abstract: The function of the variously shaped ultimate legs of Scolopendridae is briefly reviewed. Their function in Scolopendra heros Girard, 1853, Scolopendra subspinipes Leach, 1815, Scolopendra morsitans (Linnaeus, 1758), Scolopendra galapagoensis Bollman, 1889, Scolopendra hainanum Kronmüller, 2012, Scolopendra spinosissima Kraepelin, 1903 Cormocephalus aurantiipes (Newport, 1844) and Ethmostigmus trigonopodus (Leach, 1817), in which they are least specialised has been investigated. Specimens were tapped with forceps on different parts of the trunk to simulate the attack of a predator. When tapped on the first third of the trunk (near the head), the centipedes attacked the forceps with their forcipules. When tapped on the last third or the ultimate legs, they adopted a warning position, raising the ultimate legs to display the ventral and medial prefemoral spines as well as the spined coxopleural processes. In some cases the centipedes attacked the forceps with the claws of the ultimate legs by chopping down on them after lifting the legs high into the warning position. When tapped in the mid part of the trunk, the centipedes curled sideways to reach the forceps with their forcipules and ultimate legs simultaneously. Scolopendra galapagoensis not only lifted the ultimate legs into the warning position but also the last 3-4 pairs of locomotory legs, presenting their distodorsal prefemoral spines. This resembles the warning posture of some spiders. In addition to their function in warning behaviour, defensive stabbing, ritualised meeting reactions and during courtship behaviour, the ultimate legs may in addition act as hooks and perhaps be involved in species recognition. No evidence was found that the ultimate legs are used to catch prey, nor of prey or predators being held between the prefemora.

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Research Article Tue, 30 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Species limits and phylogeography of Newportia (Scolopendromorpha) and implications for widespread morphospecies https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5525/ ZooKeys 510: 65-77

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.510.8573

Authors: Gregory Edgecombe, Varpu Vahtera, Gonzalo Giribet, Pipsa Kaunisto

Abstract: The genus Newportia Gervais, 1847, includes some 60 nominal species distributed in the Caribbean islands and from Mexico to central South America. Modern keys to species and subspecies are available, greatly facilitating identification, but some species are based on few specimens and have incomplete documentation of taxonomically-informative characters. In order to explore genetic variability and evolutionary relationships within geographically-widespread morphospecies, specimens of N. (N.) stolli (Pocock, 1896) and N. (N.) divergens Chamberlin, 1922, two nominal species distinguished principally by differences in suture patterns on T1, were sequenced for mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes from populations in southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Brazil. N. (N.) stolli is paraphyletic with respect to N. (N.) divergens within a clade from Guatemala, Honduras, and Chiapas (Mexico), most trees being consistent with a single loss of a connection between the anterior transverse suture on T1, whereas specimens of “N. (N.) stolli” from Brazil are not closely allied to those from the Mesomerican type area. The widespread morphospecies N. (N.) monticola Pocock, 1890, was sequenced for the same loci from populations in Costa Rica, Colombia and Brazil, finding that specimens from these areas do not unite as a monophyletic group. Samples of N. (N.) oreina Chamberlin, 1915, from different regions of Mexico form geographic clusters that resolve as each other’s closest relatives. These results suggest that some widespread species of Newportia may be taxa of convenience more so than natural groupings. In several cases geographic proximity fits the phylogeny better than taxonomy, suggesting that non-monophyletic species do not result from use of inappropriate molecular markers. Molecular identification is possible for specimens missing taxonomically informative morphological characters, notably damaged specimens that lack the ultimate leg pair, a protocol that may also apply to other taxonomically difficult genera that are prone to damage (such as Cryptops).

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Research Article Tue, 30 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0300
A new species of Newportia Gervais, 1847 from Puerto Rico, with a revised key to the species of the genus (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha, Scolopocryptopidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3733/ ZooKeys 276: 39-54

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.276.4876

Authors: Arakadyi Schileyko

Abstract: A new species of the centipede genus Newportia, N. stoevi sp. n., is described from Rio Encantado Cave, Puerto Rico. It differs from all congeners bysternites distinctly margined laterally and ultimate legs bearing 4 spinous processes on both prefemur and femur, and 2 on tibia. The value of some terms used in the taxonomy of the genus have been analyzed and an amended identification key to the species of Newportia is provided.

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Research Article Fri, 8 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0200
A redescription of Rhysida celeris (Humbert & Saussure, 1870), with a proposal of eight new synonyms (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae, Otostigminae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3632/ ZooKeys 258: 17-29

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.258.4675

Authors: Amazonas Chagas Junior

Abstract: Seven species of the genus Rhysida Wood, 1862 from Venezuela and one subspecies from Peru described by Manuel Angel González Sponga and Wolfgang Bücherl respectively, are revised. R. caripensis González-Sponga, 2002, R. neoespartana González-Sponga, 2002, R. guayanica González-Sponga, 2002, R. maritima González-Sponga, 2002, R. monaguensis González-Sponga, 2002, R. porlamarensis González-Sponga 2002, R. sucupanensis González-Sponga, 2002 and Rhysida celeris andina Bücherl, 1953 are junior synonyms of R. celeris (Humbert & Saussure, 1870), which is redescribed and illustrated for the first time. Its geographic distribution is updated and a map showing its distribution is presented.

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Research Article Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0200
The scolopendromorph centipedes (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha) of Tunisia: taxonomy, distribution and habitats https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1952/ ZooKeys 3: 77-102

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.3.51

Authors: Nesrine Akkari, Pavel Stoev, John Lewis

Abstract: The present paper provides a review of the composition, distribution and habitat preferences of the scolopendromorph centipedes of Tunisia. Five (sub-)genera and 8 (sub-)species have hitherto been reported from the country, of which two are of uncertain status. After a study of significant amount of new material collected in the period 2003-2008, 6 species, namely Scolopendra canidens Newport, 1844, S. morsitans Linnaeus, 1758, Cormocephalus gervaisianus (C.L. Koch, 1841), Otostigmus spinicaudus (Newport, 1844), Cryptops punicus Silvestri, 1896 and C. trisulcatus Brölemann, 1902, were found in the country. New illustrations and, where appropriate, brief descriptions of the species are given, along with an identification key for the Tunisian scolopendromorphs. Cryptops anomalans Newport 1844, Scolopendra oraniensis Lucas, 1846 and S. cingulata Latreille, 1829 are excluded from the country’s list since all previous records are most likely based on misidentifications. Cryptops trisulcatus and C. punicus are recorded for the first time from Tunisia and Libya, respectively. The taxonomic position of C. punicus is discussed and the species is transferred from the subgenus Trigonocryptops to Cryptops. Scolopendra morsitans scopoliana is synonymised under S. morsitans. S. canidens, O. spinicaudus and C. punicus are well adapted to arid and semidesert biotopes and have much wider ranges compared to the other three species which are restricted to the northern, more humid parts of the country. S. canidens is the only myriapod in Tunisia found in a pure sandy desert.

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Research Article Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0300