Atrophotergum wurrawurraense, Mesibov, Robert, 2004

Mesibov, Robert, 2004, A new genus of millipedes (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Dalodesmidae) from Tasmania, Australia with a mosaic distribution, Zootaxa 480, pp. 1-23 : 15-16

Atrophotergum wurrawurraense n. sp.

Figs. 4, 11 ; map Fig. 12

Holotype: Male, Browns Creek, Tasmania, DQ698408 (41°11’00”S, 146°38’23”E), 40m, 26.vii.1997, R. Mesibov, QVM 23:25428.

Paratypes: 1 male, Gum Scrub Creek, DQ653268 (41°18’33”S, 146°35’07”E), 140m, 2.ix.1997, R. Mesibov, AM KS87139 (formerly QVM 23:25429); 1 male, Long Hill, DQ589182 (41°23’11”S, 146°30’30”E), 260m, 19.ix.1997, R. Mesibov, QVM 23:25431.

Other material examined: 7 males. See Appendix for details.

Diagnosis: Distinguished from other Atrophotergum spp. by its smaller size and by the unique form of the gonopod.

Description: As for genus. Males 6–7 mm long, 0.4–0.5 mm in maximum vertical diameter. In alcohol, most specimens are pale with reddish antennae.

Gonopod telopodite ( Fig. 11 ) not curved. SF arising more basally on the telopodite than in other Atrophotergum spp. Solenomerite a strap­like process curving laterally but not posteriorly, divided into an anterior branch containing the terminus of the prostatic groove and a much shorter branch arising posteromesally; both branches with roughened surfaces. PDC bluntly projecting distally, with basally a short, flattened process projecting laterally; PBC curving laterally and distally. TT bent posteriorly but not laterally, its tip nearly reaching distally as far as the distal projection of the PDC. MES a narrow, pointed, rod­like process parallel to the long axis of the telopodite, terminating distally at a level between the LES corners. LES very deeply folded with the anterior corner lateral and slightly distal to the posterior corner.

Anterior sternal process on somite 17 ( Fig. 4 F) a low eminence, excavated ventrally and mesally; the anterior portion of the posterior sternal process a low ridge, excavated ventrally and mesally; the posterior portion of the posterior process a short, finger­like structure directed ventrally and posteriorly.

Distribution and habitat: Known from eight localities over ca. 400 km 2 in north central Tasmania; in leaf and woody litter in dry and wet eucalypt forest from ca. 50–300 m ( Fig. 12 ).

Etymology: Referring to the Wurra Wurra Hills, where the range of this species seems to be centered.

Figures

FIGURE 11. Gonopod of A. wurrawurraense n. sp. Posterior and slightly lateral (left) and lateral (center) drawings of left gonopod telopodite of male from QVM 23: 25426. Lateral and slightly ventral SEM (right) of right gonopod telopodite of male, QVM 23: 25427. Setation not shown in drawings; dashed line marks course of prostatic groove.

FIGURE 12. Known localities in Tasmania of Atrophotergum bonhami n. sp. (open squares), A. montanum n. sp. (filled squares), A. pastorale n. sp. (crosses), A. silvaticum n. sp. (filled triangles), A. sodalis n. sp. (filled circles) and A. wurrawurraense n. sp. (open triangles). The top map shows overall distributions, while the bottom map shows localities and major streams within the rectangular area marked on the top map.