Type designation and redescription of Scolopendra spinosissima Kraepelin, 1903 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae), with remarks on related taxa

Abstract

The recent description of the scolopendromorph centipede Scolopendra paradoxa Doménech, 2018 raised questions concerning the morphological limits of its closest relative S. spinosissima Kraepelin, 1903. Following the works of this author and other evidence, the specimens making up the type series of S. spinosissima and a lectotype are fixed, redescribed, and illustrated; these are then compared with this species’ unique available voucher and with S. paradoxa type material. Specimens making up the S. spinosissima type series are fixed including only four of the five individuals stored in the collection of Zoological Museum of Hamburg and, the voucher is identified as S. spinosissima. Its sister species, S. paradoxa, is confirmed as a morphologically and molecularly distinguishable taxon. Additionally, new data on the S. spinosissima type series are provideda and observations involving the excluded original type, reidentified as Ethmostigmus rubripes rubripes (Brandt, 1840), are given. Finally, the presence of S. multidens Newport, 1844 in the Philippines is proposed as dubious and a revised key for the Scolopendra of this archipelago is presented.