Scolopendrelloides tenella ( Ribaut 1914 ) Ribaut, 1914

Camacho, Miguel Domínguez, 2010, New insights on the genus Scolopendrelloides Bagnall 1913 (Scutigerellidae, Symphyla) with descriptions of two new species, Zootaxa 2558, pp. 48-60 : 53-54

Scolopendrelloides tenella ( Ribaut 1914) , new combination

Hanseniella tenella Ribaut 1914 : pag 44, figs. 21–26.

Material examined. 3 paratypes from Kenya, MNHN K39.

Length 2.5 mm.

Head. 1.1 times as long as broad, somewhat heart-shaped and a bit flattened laterally ( Fig. 3 A). Central rod complete until the most posterior point of the head, where it forms a triangular area. Lateral branches well developed until the median part of the head, where they are more difficult to observe. Tömösvary’s organ inconspicuous. Dorsal surface of the head with thin, straight setae. Cuticle glabrous, with a reticulate pattern in the frontal part of the head.

Tergites. First tergite small, subelliptical and about five times as wide as long, with 9 setae of which 3 are longer than others. Following tergites large, somewhat elliptical with concave margins and small pointed tips at the end of the emarginations ( Fig. 3 B). Second and third tergites with two lateral macrochaetae, the anterior longer than the posterior. Cuticle of all tergites glabrous, with a slight mesh pattern. At the most anterior part of tergites 3–15, this pattern forms lateral lines with rows of tiny backwards directed setae. Mesh pattern more conspicuous on the more posterior tergites, where it looks scaly. Penultimate tergite laterally with two macrochaetae and 6 setae ( Fig. 3 C).

Cerci 3 times as long as wide. Margins nearly straight, with a moderate number of setae ( Fig. 3 D). Proximal two thirds of cerci conical, distal third a bit slender, nearly cylindrical. Cuticle glabrous, with a very slight scaly pattern.

Exterior part of the trichobothria’s pit covered by scales, which present spiny margins on the ventral side ( Fig. 3 E), and bear one longer, straight spine.

Figures

FIGURE 3. SEM micrographs of Scolopendrelloides tenella (Ribaut 1914) new combination, paratype MNHN K 39. A, head; B, tergites 1 – 3; C, tergites 14 – 15; D, cerci; E, trichobothrium.