Mecistocephalinae, body, leg, trunk, clypeus, legs, first maxilla, first maxillae, foraminal process, leg-bearing segment, metameric pore, second maxilla, second maxillae
The known diversity of the subfamily Mecistocephalinae amounts to 6 genera and circa 150 species: Mecistocephalus Newport, 1843 (= Lamnonyx Cook, 1896; Megethmus Cook, 1896. Including also: Brachyptyx Chamberlin, 1920; Dasyptyx Chamberlin, 1920; Ectoptyx Chamberlin, 1920; Pauroptyx Chamberlin, 1920; Formosocephalus Verhoeff, 1937) (c. 130 species), Tygarrup Chamberlin, 1914 (= Brahmaputrus Verhoeff, 1942) (15 species), Krateraspis Lignau, 1929 (2 species), Takashimaia Miyosi, 1955 (1 species). Additionally, Megalacrus Attems, 1953 (1 species) and Fusichila Chamberlin, 1953 (1 species) are provisionally assigned to this subfamily. See Bonato et al. (2003: 549)[1] [24.x.2003].
Referenzen
- , „Evolutionary trends and patterns in centipede segment number based on a cladistic analysis of Mecistocephalidae (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha)“, Systematic Entomology, Bd. 28, Nr. 4, S. 539-579, 2003.
Diagnosis from Bonato et al. (2003: 549)[1]:
Body evidently tapering backwards. Leg-bearing trunk often provided with dark patches. Cephalic plate evidently longer than wide. Clypeal plagula/ae covering more than posterior half of clypeus. Clypeal setae usually a few, limited to a short transverse band and to anterolateral corners. Posterior alae without longitudinal stripes. Posterior margin of labrum sinuous. Coxosternum of first maxillae divided, nonareolate. Coxosternum of second maxillae undivided, medial part areolate; groove from metameric pore and foraminal process reaching lateral margin. Telopodites of second maxillae well developed, overreaching those of first maxillae; terminal article usually covered with setae, mainly on internal side, and bearing a reduced claw. Forcipular tergum slightly wider than long, with a mid-longitudinal sulcus. Forcipular trochanteropraefemur usually elongate, sometimes provided with a proximal tooth. Sternal mid-longitudinal sulci either furcate or not. Number of pairs of legs 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 57, 59, 63 or 65; in only one species, odd numbers between 93 and 101. Sternum of last leg-bearing segment often with a pillowlike process. Legs of last pair usually provided with an apical spine.
Referenzen
- , „Evolutionary trends and patterns in centipede segment number based on a cladistic analysis of Mecistocephalidae (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha)“, Systematic Entomology, Bd. 28, Nr. 4, S. 539-579, 2003.
Distribution from Bonato et al. (2003: 549)[1]: Mainly tropical regions, in particular Southeast Asia, but also eastern Asia, Pacific islands, Australia, Indian Peninsula, Africa and the Americas.
Referenzen
- , „Evolutionary trends and patterns in centipede segment number based on a cladistic analysis of Mecistocephalidae (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha)“, Systematic Entomology, Bd. 28, Nr. 4, S. 539-579, 2003.