On the true identity of Scolopendra aztecorum Verhoeff, 1934 (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae)

The genus Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 currently comprises 13 valid species in Mexico. One of the species, Scolopendra aztecorum Verhoeff, 1934 has been considered a potential synonym of S. viridis Say, 1821, S. polymorpha Wood, 1861, or Arthrorhabdus pygmaeus (Pocock, 1895). To shed light on its true status, five of the six syntype specimens were examined, redescribed and illustrated for the first time. Scolopendra aztecorum is diagnosable from all other Mexican species and remains in the genus Scolopendra as a valid species.