Cylindroiulus maurus, Read, 2005

Read, Helen J., 2005, A revision of the Cylindroiulus distinctus Lucas group from north Africa, with descriptions of six new species (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae), Journal of Natural History 39 (18), pp. 1491-1532 : 1522-1527

Cylindroiulus maurus sp. n.

( Figures 53–57 )

Material studied. Holotype: Algeria: „, ANNC in National Park of Djurdjura , Wilaya de Tizi Ouzou, Djebel du Djurdjura, 1420 m, pitfall traps in Cedrus atlantica forest with a north aspect, 20 June 1993 ( MNP).

Total material examined. 1 „.

Diagnosis. A very small species with much simpler gonopods than the rest of the group. No projections X or Y, brachite separated from solenomere by a small area that is poorly sclerotized. Brachite broadened apically into hood shape laterally. Mesomerite low and squat.

Descriptiυe notes. 1 „: 44+3 rings, diameter 1.8 mm, nine rows of ocelli.

Colour. Brown head and first two rings, rest yellowy brown with thin black mid-dorsal stripe. Slightly darker posteriorly.

Eyes. Rows muddled but not much reduced.

Telson . Slight dorsal projection in males, rather more sparsely setose, pre-anal ring with six pairs of setae, anal valves with eight pairs of setae in almost complete row, ventral scale with one pair.

Legs. Legs 1.8 X body height in male, accessory claw surpassing claw by 16% of claw length.

Male sexual characters

Mandibular stipites. Expanded.

First pair of legs. Small hooks.

Segment 7. Previously dissected so unknown if gonopods protrude.

Gonopods ( Figures 53–57 ). Promerite short and wide with asymmetric apex. Flagellum normal. Mesomerite very short, approximately half the length of the promerite and flat topped. No paracoxal process and low paracoxal rim (unlike others in the group). Posterior gonopods of similar overall appearance to others in group but much more two-dimensional and no signs of projections X or Y. Solenomere fairly slim, brachite hood-like and ‘‘hanging’’ over solenomere at least on lateral side. Phylacum clearly present, not as extensive as in some species and not as thickened.

Etymology

Maurus means a native of north Africa.

Comments

This species is smaller and has simpler gonopods than others in the group. It is the least similar of the species described here but does show other characteristics that are similar, such as the shape of the telson , the lack of paracoxal process, the presence of a phylacum and the overall shape of the opisthomerite.

Figures

Figures 53–57. Gonopods of C. maurus from Algeria National Park of Djurjura, Wilaya de Tizi Ouzou. (53) Lateral view. (54) Mesal view. (55) Posterior view. (56) Anterior view. (57) Anterior view of posterior gonopods. Scale bar: 0.1 mm.