Zoosphaerium coquerelianum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897)

Wesener, Thomas & Wägele, Johann-Wolfgang, 2008, The giant pill-millipedes of Madagascar: revision of the genus Zoosphaerium (Myriapoda, Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida), Zoosystema 30 (1), pp. 5-85 : 37-38

Zoosphaerium coquerelianum species-group

SPECIES INCLUDED. — Zoosphaerium coquerelianum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897) ; Z. alluaudi (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897) ; Z. voeltzkowianum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897) ; Z. villosum Wesener & Sierwald , 200.

DIAGNOSIS. — These Malagasy giant pill-millipede species share a number of derived characters, identifying them as a species-group. Species of this group can be identified by a striking similarity in the shape of posterior telopods ( Figs 20J ; 24K ). The third joint of the posterior telopods is broadened, 2-2. times longer than wide. The hollowed-out margin of the third joint and especially the row of sclerotized teeth reaches from the tip down to only half of the joints length ( Figs 20K ; 24L ). The locking carinae of the anal shield are similar in all species, the posterior carina being 2. -4 times longer than the anterior carina ( Figs 20B ; 24D ). Inside the species-group the species are clearly distinguishable by numerous characters like the shape of the anterior pair of telopods, the number of sensory cones on the antenna, sensory cones on gnathochilarium, the shape of the female operculum, body size, bristle patterns on collum and different structures on the tergite surface (see also Wesener & Sierwald 200 a). A phylogenetic analysis will be necessary to confirm if the coquerelianum -group represents a monophyletic group among Malagasy sphaerotheriids, which then may deserve genus status.

KEY TO THE ZOOSPHAERIUM COQUERELIANUM SPECIES- GROUP

1. Antenna with more than 10 sensory cones ................................................................. 2

— Antenna with 4 sensory cones ( Fig. 27A ) ................................................................... 3

2. Anterior telopods with 1 stridulation rib ( Fig. 20F ) ............................ Z. coquerelianum — Anterior telopods with 2 stridulation ribs .................................................... Z. villosum

3. Anal shield surface covered with short hair. Posterior locking carina of anal shield 2. -3 times longer than anterior carina ................................................................. Z. alluaudi

— Anal shield surface glabrous. Posterior locking carina of anal shield more than 3. times longer than anterior carina .............................................................. Z. voeltzkowianum

Figures

FIG. 20. — Zoosphaerium coquerelianum (de Saussure & Zehntner,1897),lectotype:A, habitus,body length 22 mm;B, closing ledges of anal shield; C, coxa of 1st right leg with 1st stigma-carrying plate; D, 9th left leg; E, coxa of 2nd left leg with gonopore;F-I left anterior telopod; F, anterior view; G, posterior view; H, inner view; I, lateral view; J, K, left posterior telopod joints 2 and 3; J, anterior view; K, posterior view. Abbreviations: 12T, 12th tergite; AS, anal shield; Cx, coxa; St, Stigma-carrying plate. Scale bars: B-K, 1 mm.

FIG. 24. — Zoosphaerium voeltzkowianum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897): A-D, G-L, lectotype; E, F, paralectotype; A, habitus, body length 30 mm; B, coxa of 1st left leg with 1st stigma-carrying plate C, 9th left leg; D, closing ledges of anal shield, left side; E, coxa of 2nd left leg with vulva; F, subanal plate; G, coxa of 2nd left leg with gonopore; H-J, right anterior telopod;H, anterior view; I, posterior view;J, inner view;K, L, left posterior telopod; K, anterior view;L, posterior view.Abbreviations:AS, anal shield;Cx, coxa;St, stigmacarrying plate. Scale bars: A, 10 mm; B-L, 1 mm.

FIG. 27. — Zoosphaerium voeltzkowianum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897), SEM (BLF 8000): A, right mandible, overview; B, gnathochilarium, anterior side; C, sensory cells on central pads of gnathochilarium; D, sensory cones lateral of left gnathochilarium palpus. Abbreviations:3iT, 3 internal teeth;C, condylus;cP, central located pads;eT, external tooth; mp, molar plate;P, palpus;pT, pectinate lamella. Scale bars: A, 500 μm; B, 800 μm; C, 20 μm; D, 30 μm.