Cylindroiulus cf. ouridae, 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 : 1517-1519

Cylindroiulus cf. ouridae

( Figures 43–47 )

Material studied. Algeria: 2 „ National Park of Chrea, Wilaya Blida, Djebel Chrea, 1400 m, Vallée station, Cedrus atlantica forest with some Quercus ilex , from pitfall traps, 27 January 1990, Abrous-Kherbouche leg. (MNP)

Total material examined. 2 „ Diagnosis. This sample of two males shows characters that seem to be intermediate, in terms of gonopod structure, to C. djebelensis and C. ouridae . The promerite and mesomerite are very similar in length, the mesomerite being just longer. Of the posterior gonopods, the solenomere is very similar to that of C. ouridae . It has a small lamellal-like projection on the mesal side (visible most easily in lateral view) like that of C. ouridae . Projections X and Y are also similar in size and location, although X is of slightly different shape when seen in anterior view. The brachite, however, is unlike that of C. ouridae but similar to C. djebelensis . It is wing-like, consisting of two almost equal parts and in anterior view completely hides the solenomere. The gonopods are also notable for their very large size and very ‘‘open’’ structure.

In body size they are probably closer to C. ouridae although the very spiralled and broken condition of the two specimens makes accurate measurement difficult. They are pale in colour but this is probably due to the method of capture. The telson area seems to be more setose than that of C. ouridae . The other notable feature of these specimens is the length of the accessory claw, surpassing the claw by only 25%, shorter than in C. ouridae (71%) or C. djebelensis (66%)

The differences between these specimens and C. ouridae are small, just the shape of the brachite tip, and size of the gonopods and length of accessory claw, so they are here regarded as aberrant specimens. When more information is known about the variability in some of the new species described here it may be possible to assign them to a species with more certainty.

Other details are given below:

Descriptiυe notes. 1 „: 54+2 rings, diameter 2.8 mm, 13 rows of ocelli; 1 „: 55+1 rings, diameter 3.0 mm, 11 rows of ocelli.

Colour. Gingery brown in colour, mid-dorsal line weak.

Telson . With no dorsal projection, pre-anal ring with complete row of setae, anal valves with more than 17 pairs (one with approximately 30 in two rows), ventral scale with six or more pairs.

Legs. Legs 0.52 X body height in male, accessory claw surpassing claw by 25% of claw length.

Male sexual characters

Mandibular stipites. Well developed.

First pair of legs. Small hooks.

Gonopods. See Figures 43–47 .

Figures

Figures 43–47. Gonopods of C. cf. ouridae from Algeria, National Park of Chrea. (43) Lateral view. (44) Mesal view. (45) Posterior view. (46) Anterior view. (47) Anterior view of posterior gonopods. (AC, accessory to brachite). Scale bars: 0.1 mm.