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

Abstract

Symphylella macrochaeta sp. nov. and Symphylella longispina sp. nov. from China are described and illustrated. Symphylella macrochaeta 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. Symphylella longispina 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.