Two new species of the genus Symphylella (Symphyla, Scolopendrellidae) from Tibet, China

Abstract

The Symphyla of Tibet are studied for the first time. Symphylella macropora sp. n. and Symphylella zhongi sp. n. from southeastern Tibet are described and illustrated. Symphylella macropora sp. n. is characterized by large, elongated oval openings of the Tömösváry organ with its inner margins covered by minute irregular teeth, rudimentary spined sensory organs present on the dorsal side of most antennal segments, and cerci with numerous long and slightly curved setae. Symphylella zhongi sp. n. is characterized by a globular Tömösváry organ with a small and roundish opening, mushroom-shaped sensory organs present on apical antennal segments, and by having tergal processes longer than their basal width with ovoid swollen ends. The newly described species are compared to the morphologically closest congeners: S. javanensis, S. asiatica, S. multisetosa, and S. simplex. A key for 43 species of the genus is also provided.