An integrative and citizen science based approach to the rediscovery and redescription of the only known high-altitude endemic Pill Millipede, Glomeris aurita Koch (Diplopoda, Glomerida)

The pill millipede species Glomeris aurita Koch, 1847 remained of relative unknown origin and appearance until its recent rediscovery in samples from the Bergamasque Alps, northern Italy. In order to provide an integrative redescription and accurate identification of the high-altitude microendemic G. aurita, COI barcode sequences from three individuals coming from two different localities were obtained. These sequences are compared with those of the syntopic endemic G. oblongoguttata Verhoeff, 1894, the widespread black morph of G. romana Verhoeff, 1900, as well as several widespread species including G. marginata Villers, 1789, G. connexa Koch, 1847, and G. klugii Brandt, 1833, which have rare colour morphs that exhibit some similarity to G. aurita. To rule-out any identity confusion of G. aurita with other high-altitude or little-known Italian Glomeris, specimens of G. transalpina Koch, 1836, G. oropensis Verhoeff, 1934, and G. primordialis Verhoeff, 1932 were also added to the dataset. Altogether, 24 sequences were compared. Morphologically, the specimens of G. aurita were studied utilizing scanning electron microscopy as well as non-invasive micro-CT technology. The distribution of both Bergamasque endemics, G. aurita and G. oblongoguttata, could be mapped and compared utilizing samples from the Museo civico di Scienze Naturali di Bergamo, as well as photographic evidence from an Italian naturalist forum. G. aurita has a very short active period and is the first known pill millipede species restricted to mountain tops and cold places, possibly representing a Nunatak survivor

Vegetation thresholds for the occurrence of millipedes (Diplopoda) in different tropical forest types in Andasibe, Madagascar

Forest clearance, especially in the tropics, leads to habitat loss for many organisms including litter-dwelling arthropods. Among other invertebrates, millipedes (Diplopoda) provide important ecosystem services like decomposition and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Despite their importance, little is known about litter invertebrates’ response to tropical forest degradation and their role in reforestation. The present article should rather be regarded as a review of millipedes’ occurrence in tropical forests with a pilot study from Madagascar, because the sample size is small and results need to be confirmed. This pilot study investigated the relationship between millipedes and vegetation characteristics in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar, in the region of Andasibe, parts of which are undergoing reforestation. Vegetation characteristics were measured in ten different forests encompassing different types: remnant rainforest, secondary forest, old Eucalyptus plantations, recently enriched with indigenous tree species, and degraded sites. Millipede species were searched by hand, identified and their occurrence in relation to the environmental characteristics was described.Vegetation characteristics differed between forest types. Old Eucalyptus plantations, secondary forest, and primary rainforest were associated with higher litter depth and more native millipede species than degraded sites and forests afforested with native tree species since 2007. Non-native millipedes occurred in all vegetation formations except the primary rainforest site and did not show any relationship with vegetation characteristics. In contrast, native millipedes’ occurrence was related to conditions associated with mature forest, such as high litter depth and high foliage cover. Logistic regression revealed a threshold of litter depth above which native millipedes are likely to occur. The results indicate that native millipedes are affected by forest degradation and are incompletely restored even when the afforested forest might approach the original state. Special care should be taken during reforestation efforts, as non-native soil arthropods can be introduced, completely replacing the indigenous biota. RésuméLes conséquences de la déforestation globale sont multiples. Pour la plupart des organismes, la déforestation est la cause principale de la destruction des habitats. Les arthropodes qui vivent sur le sol forestier ou dans le feuillage sont ainsi menacés, surtout dans les forêts tropicales. Ces organismes sont pourtant indispensables au maintien de la résilience de la forêt. Dans l’écosystème forestier, les millepattes et autres arthropodes sont très importants pour la mise à disposition de différents services écosystémiques, par exemple pour leur rôle dans le cycle des éléments nutritifs, la formation des sols et la décomposition. Malgré leur importance, peu d’informations sont disponibles sur la réaction des invertébrés suite à la dégradation des forêts et leur rôle dans la reforestation.Cette étude tient surtout lieu de révision de l’occurrence des millepattes dans les forêts tropicales avec une étude pilote menée à Madagascar, dans la mesure où l'échantillonnage est réduit et que les résultats restent partiels. Cette étude pilote analyse les relations entre les millepattes et les caractéristiques végétales dans les forêts de l’Est de Madagascar, dans la région d’Andasibe. Ces forêts sont très diverses et dix types de forêt ont été considérés, à savoir une forêt récemment dégradée et une forêt dégradée, une forêt dégradée et reboisée avec des espèces arborées indigènes en 2007, 2012 ou 2015, des plantations d’Eucalyptus abandonnées depuis 1930 ou 1909, deux forêts secondaires, une forêt primaire. Dans ces différents types de forêt, les caractéristiques de la végétation ont été enregistrées et des millepattes ont été récoltés à la main. Les espèces de millepattes ont été identifiées et leur occurrence ont été analysées par rapport aux caractéristiques de la végétation. Les vieilles plantations d’Eucalyptus et les forêts secondaire et primaire étaient caractérisées par une couche plus épaisse de feuilles et davantage d’espèces de millepattes indigènes par rapport aux forêts dégradée et replantée. Les espèces allogènes étaient présentes dans tous les types de forêt à l’exception de la forêt primaire. La présence de ces espèces n’était pas liée aux caractéristiques de la végétation. En revanche, l’occurrence des espèces indigènes était associée à des conditions qui sont caractéristiques des forêts matures, par exemple une couche de feuilles épaisse et une couverture foliaire dense. L’analyse de régression logistique a révélé une valeur seuil pour la hauteur de la couche de feuilles mortes. Au-delà de ce seuil, il est probable que les millepattes indigènes soient présents. L’étude a montré que les millepattes indigènes sont impactés par la déforestation et qu’ils ne sont pas facilement restaurés même si la restauration semble permettre à la forêt de se rapprocher de son état initial

Checklist of the Myriapoda in Cretaceous Burmese amber and a correction of the Myriapoda identified by Zhang (2017)

An inventory of the Myriapoda (Diplopoda, Chilopoda, Symphyla) from Cretaceous Burmese amber, Myanmar, is presented, including the oldest and/or first fossil record for numerous orders. For millipedes (Diplopoda) 527 records, including 460 new specimens determined by us, belonging to 13 of 16 recent orders are listed: Polyxenida, Glomeri­desmida, Glomerida, Siphonophorida, Polyzoniida, Platydesmida, Siphoniulida, Chordeumatida, Polydesmida, Stemmiulida, Callipodida, Spirostreptida and Spirobolida. For centipedes, 33 records for 4 of the 5 recent orders are listed: Scutigero­morpha, Lithobiomorpha, Scolopendromorpha and Geophilomorpha. For Symphyla, three records for both families, Scutigerellidae and Scolopendrellidae, are listed. The majority of Diplopoda records (30.5%) are Polydesmida. The record of the Polyzoniida includes first instar octopod juveniles. The checklist includes the first fossil representatives known of the Platydesmida, as well as the oldest known fossils of the Polyxenida, Glomeridesmida, Glomerida, Siphono­phorida, Polyzoniida, Siphoniulida, Spirostreptida, as well as both Symphyla families. Misidentifications by Zhang (2017) are corrected; while most Chilopoda in that list are correct, almost all Diplopoda are misidentified

Swarming behaviour and mass occurrences in the world’s largest giant pill-millipede species, Zoosphaerium neptunus, on Madagascar and its implication for conservation efforts (Diplopoda: Sphaerotheriida)

The first records of mass occurrences (swarming behaviour) in giant pill-millipedes, order Sphaerotheriida, are reported from Madagascar. Swarming behaviour in the order Sphaerotheriida seems to be restricted to a single of more than sixty described Malagasy species, Zoosphaerium neptunus (Butler, 1872), which is the world’s largest known giant pill-millipede. Rolled-up individuals can be up to the size of a baseball, tennis ball or small orange, but only females reach this giant size, males being smaller than a ping-pong ball. Nine occurrences of such Z. neptunus swarms were analyzed based on actual specimens, video or photographic evidence collected by other researchers, dating back as far as 1892. One additional swarm, comprising several thousand individuals was examined in detail, with 260 randomly collected specimens being dissected and measured. The findings highlight that the swarming behaviour in Z. neptunus differs from that of all other millipedes in two important details: (1) The individual swarm is restricted to specimens of a single related size (and presumably age) class; often only sexually immature individuals; (2) the swarming behaviour is obligate, most, if not all specimens of the species in a given area participate in such swarms; Z. neptunus specimens are rarely, if ever, not found in a swarm. Reasons behind such massing events in millipedes are currently little understood, but a potential explanation for the mass occurrences in Z. neptunus might be higher survival rate from predation in combination with a close sibling relationship between members of one swarm. The almost obligate swarming behaviour in the widespread Z. neptunus species might represent a conservation problem, since whole swarms, and therefore a whole generation in a given area, can be lost through anthropogenic interferences such as over-collecting for the pet trade, habitat fragmentation or road kills.RÉSUMÉIl est rare que l’Homme se retrouve au contact des myriapodes et plus rare encore que de cette rencontre naisse un antagonisme. On peut citer le cas du mille-pattes indien Xenobolus carnifex qui dégrade les toits et celui des essaimages de myriapodes qui entraînent souvent de graves problèmes dont le plus courant est l’invasion de maisons, voire de villages entiers. Ce comportement inhabituel est surtout mentionné pour l’Europe et les raisons de ce grégarisme chez les mille-pattes sont encore peu comprises. Certains pensent que ces rassemblements sont liés à la surpopulation ou qu’ils augmentent l’efficacité des défenses chimiques. Une des rares similitudes entre ces phénomènes est que les spécimens y participant sont adultes ou subadultes, jamais juvéniles. Cet article fait état de la première observation d’un regroupement en masse (comportement grégaire) chez les grands mille-pattes volveurs, ordre des Sphaerotheriida, à Madagascar. Au sein de cet ordre, le comportement grégaire semble se limiter à une seule espèce parmi plus de soixante espèces malgaches connues, Zoosphaerium neptunus (Butler, 1872), actuellement l’espèce la plus grande des mille-pattes volveurs connus. Enroulés, des spécimens peuvent atteindre la taille d’une balle de baseball, de tennis, ou d’une petite orange ; mais cela ne concerne que les femelles, les mâles étant plus petits qu’une balle de ping-pong. Notre étude se fonde sur l’analyse de neuf cas d’un tel grégarisme chez Z. neptunus, soit à partir d’observations directes, soit à partir de documents, notamment photographiques ou vidéo, recueillis par d’autres chercheurs, et ce aussi loin que 1892. Nous avons examiné en détail un essaim composé de plusieurs milliers de spécimens, dont 260 récoltés au hasard, disséqués et mesurés. Les résultats mettent en évidence que le comportement grégaire de Z. neptunus diffère de celui des autres mille - pattes sur deux points importants : (1) chaque essaim ne comporte que des spécimens de taille proche (et probablement d’un âge similaire), souvent exclusivement des spécimens immatures sexuellement ; (2) le comportement grégaire est obligatoire ; la plupart, si ce n’est tous les spécimens de l’espèce d’une zone donnée participent à ce genre d’essaimages, - Z. neptunus est rarement, sinon jamais, observé hors d’un essaim. On ignore les causes du grégarisme chez les mille-pattes, mais une explication possible du regroupement en masse chez Z. neptunus pourrait être un meilleur taux de survie face à la prédation en combinaison avec une relation fraternelle renforcée entre les membres d’un même essaim. Le comportement grégaire quasi-obligatoire chez le très répandu Z. neptunus pourrait compliquer sa préservation du fait que les interférences humaines telles que sa surexploitation à des fins commerciales, la fragmentation de son habitat ou le risque de mourir sur la route peuvent entraîner la perte d’essaims entiers, et donc de toute une génération dans une zone donnée

Madagascar's living giants: discovery of five new species of endemic giant pill-millipedes from Madagascar (Diplopoda: Sphaerotheriida: Arthrosphaeridae: Zoosphaerium)

ABSTRACT Five new species of the endemic giant pill-millipede genus Zoosphaerium from Madagascar are described: Z. muscorum sp. n., Z. bambusoides sp. n., Z. tigrioculatum sp. n., Z. darthvaderi sp. n., and Z. heleios sp. n. The first three species fit into the Z. coquerelianum species-group, where Z. tigrioculatum seems to be closely related to Z. isalo Z. bilobum Wesener, 2009. Z. tigrioculatum is also the giant pill-millipede species currently known from the highest elevation, up 2000 m on Mt Andringitra. Z. muscorum and Z. darthvaderi were both collected in mossy forest at over 1000 m (albeit at distant localities), obviously a previously undersampled ecosystem. Z. darthvaderi and Z. heleios both possess very unusual characters, not permitting their placement in any existing species-group, putting them in an isolated position. The females of Z. xerophilum Z. pseudoplatylabum Wesener, 2009 are described for the first time, both from samples collected close to their type localities. The vulva and washboard of Z. pseudoplatylabum fit very well into the Z. platylabum species-group. Additional locality and specimen information is given for nine species o

Globale Expressionsprofile Pneumokokken-infizierter Bronchialepithelzellen - Einfluss der miRNA-3135b und des Nicotinamidstoffwechselweges auf die bakterielle Replikation

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), auch als Pneumococcus bezeichnet, ist ein grampositives Bakterium, welches gewöhnlich als Kommensale asymptomatisch den humanen Nasopharynx besiedelt, jedoch auch schwere Erkrankungen bis hin zur Sepsis oder Meningitis auslösen kann. Pneumokokken sind Hauptverursacher der Pneumonie beim Menschen und fordern jährlich mehrere Millionen Opfer weltweit. Weiterhin können Koinfektionen mit Influenza A Viren die Erkrankung verschlimmern. Die Epithelzellen des humanen Respirationstraktes bilden die erste Verteidigungsbarriere gegen die Infektion. Es sind jedoch viele Aspekte der Interaktion zwischen Epithelzellen und S. pneumoniae noch nicht umfassend geklärt. Um diese Interaktion detailliert zu analysieren, wurde ein Expressionsprofil aus mRNAs, Proteinen und miRNAs von infizierten Bronchialepithelzellen erstellt. Zusätzlich wurde ein Koinfektionsmodell in humanem ex vivo Lungengewebe zu Vergleichszwecken untersucht. Signalweg‐Analysen der infizierten Epithelzellen ergaben eine verstärkte Regulation des Zellzyklus zum späten Zeitpunkt der Infektion (16 h). Eine Vernetzung der Daten mit dem miRNA‐Profil offenbarte wenige, bereits bekannte Verknüpfungen. Dennoch konnten mit Hilfe der miRNA‐Untersuchungen behandlungsabhängige Expressionsmuster detektierten werden, welche S. pneumoniae‐spezifische miRNAs, wie die induzierte miRNA‐3135b, aufzeigten. Bei dieser hypothetischen miRNA könnte es sich tatsächlich um ein t‐RNA‐deriviertes Fragment (tRF) handeln. Eine Überexpression der miRNA‐3135b resultierte in einer signifikanten Reduktion der Pneumokokken‐Last, was auf einen Abwehrmechanismus der Epithelzellen hindeutet. Zudem zeigte die RNA‐Sequenzierung nach miRNA‐3135b‐Überexpression verschiedene putative Ziel‐mRNAs, deren Funktionen bisher nur eingeschränkt bekannt sind. Des Weiteren weisen funktionelle Analysen der mRNAs und Proteine auf eine Regulation des Nicotinamidmetabolismus hin. Die in den Epithelzellen durchgeführte Depletion von NAMPT, dem Schlüsselenzym dieses Stoffwechselweges, führte zu einer verminderten Replikation von S. pneumoniae. Weiterhin bewirkte die Zugabe von Nicotinamid‐Mononukleotid (NMN) eine gesteigerte Replikationsrate der Bakterien. Dies deutet auf NMN als wichtige Nährstoffquelle von Pneumokokken hin. Die Daten dieser Arbeit erweitern die Kenntnisse zur Interaktion von humanen Epithelzellen und Pneumokokken und könnten zur Identifizierung alternativer und neuer Therapiestrategien genutzt werden

The Myriapoda of Halimun-Salak National Park (Java, Indonesia): overview and faunal composition

The myriapod fauna of the mega-diverse country of Indonesia is so far insufficiently known, with no species lists or determination keys. In order to obtain an overview of the faunal composition of the Myriapoda in an Indonesian forest system, the fauna of the Halimun-Salak National Park in western Java was explored during the dry season (September–October 2015) in the framework of the German-Indonesian INDOBIOSYS project (Indonesian Biodiversity Discovery and Information System). A total of 980 Myriapoda specimens were collected by hand by 3–4 researchers from three different sites in the national park, from which 796 specimens were determined to a higher taxonomic level (class, order, family) and 617 specimens were determined to morphospecies. Among these, 27 were Symphyla (4%) (excluded from further analyses), 226 Chilopoda (28%) and 543 Diplopoda (68%). The Scolopendromorpha (64% of all identified centipedes) and Polydesmida (69% of all identified Diplopoda) were the most represented orders in our samples. Twenty-four morphospecies of Chilopoda were determined: one each of Scutigeromorpha and Lithobiomorpha, six Scolopendromorpha and sixteen Geophilomorpha. Nine orders of diplopods were present, with a total of 47 morphospecies: one each of Polyxenida, Glomeridesmida and Chordeumatida, two each of Glomerida, Spirobolida and Siphonophorida, seven of Sphaerotheriida, ten of Spirostreptida and 21 of Polydesmida. Two species curves were obtained to have a first idea about the myriapod diversity in the Halimun-Salak National Park and to compare the three individual collecting sites. Our results depict the Scolopendromorpha as the most common centipedes in Javanese rainforests and the Geophilomorpha as the most species-rich order. In contrast, the Polydesmida were the most dominant millipede group with 167 specimens and with 13 morphospecies the family Paradoxosomatidae was the most diverse

Zehntnerobolus Wesener 2009

Genus Zehntnerobolus Wesener, 2009 Type species: Spirobolus rubripes de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897, monotypic Other species included: Zehntnerobolus hoffmani n. sp. Taxonomic position. The presence of a sclerotized sternite connecting the posterior gonopods (Fig. 3 E) and the absence of apodemes on the anterior gonopods (Figs 2 E, 3 C) place Zehntnerobolus in the family Pachybolidae, suborder Trigoniulidea. The closest relative of Zehntnerobolus might be found among other small-bodied Malagasy Spirobolida. Re-diagnosis. The description of a second species of Zehntnerobolus together with a more detailed morphological study allows a re-diagnosis of the genus previously monotypic. Telopodite process of anterior gonopod slender and curved laterally (Figs 2 E, 3 C, D), a unique character of Zehntnerobolus. Sperm canal of posterior telopod apically free, protruding above lateral margin (Figs 3 E–G). Among Malagasy Pachybolidae, a free sperm canal also exists in Flagellobolus and Caprobolus. Shares a gnathochilarium with a transverse ridge subdividing mentum with the Malagasy genera Flagellobolus, Riotintobolus, Pseudocentrobolus, Granitobolus, Caprobolus, Alluviobolus and Ostinobolus. Shares a torsion of telopodite of posterior gonopod with discharge opening of efferent duct (sperm canal) turned laterally instead of mesally with Riotintobolus and Alluviobolus. Distribution and ecology. Apparently a rare genus. Recent collection efforts by the California Academy of Sciences and the Field Museum at more than 250 localities throughout Madagascar only resulted in the collection of a single sample with two specimens, described below, 385 km south of the other know historic localities, from Ivohibe (Fig. 1). As suggested previously (Wesener et al. 2009 B), and indicated by the collection method of the recent specimens (sifting of leaf litter), this genus probably lives on the surface of (or inside) the leaf litter.Published as part of Wesener, Thomas, 2011, Re-discovery after more than a century: a redefinition of the Malagasy endemic millipede genus Zehntnerobolus, with a description of a new species (Diplopoda, Spirobolida, Pachybolidae), pp. 21-26 in Zootaxa 3018 on pages 22-23, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27863

Sphaerobelum bolavensis Wesener 2019, new species

<i>Sphaerobelum bolavensis</i> new species <p>Figures 6A, 7, 8, 9A, 10.</p> <p> <b>Material examined:</b> Type specimens. 1 M holotype (ZMUC00040256) from Laos, Champasak Province, Bolaven Plateau, Ban Houayteuay, 1200 m (N 15°4.655', E 106°16.848') disturbed montane forest, leg. 10.XII.2007, by hand, S. Tarasov. 1 F paratype (ZFMK MYR8100), same data as holotype.</p> <p> <b>Non-type material:</b> 1 F (MHNG LT-10/24) from Laos, Champasak Province, Bolaven Plateau, 3 km S of Ban Nong Luang, Tad Kameud, 1270 m (N 15°04'23", 106°12'36" E), undisturbed evergreen hill forest, 1.X.2010, leg. P. Schwendinger.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis</b>: <i>S. bolavensis</i> <b>n. sp.</b> belongs to a group of <i>Sphaerobelum</i> species in which the mesal margin of the femur is extended and apically tipped with several teeth (Fig. 8A). <i>Sphaerobelum bolavensis</i> <b>n. sp.</b> and <i>S. bicorne</i> from Vietnam are the only species with an extension only in the apical part of the femur. <i>Sphaerobelum bolavensis</i> <b>n. sp.</b> possesses a female vulval operculum only projecting in a single mesal process (Fig. 8B); in contrast, <i>S. bicorne</i> has two processes. <i>Sphaerobelum bolavensis</i> <b>n. sp.</b> has a telopoditomere 4 of the posterior telopod straight, apically without a recessed hook (Figs 10E, F); in contrast <i>S. bicorne</i> possesses a hook. <i>Sphaerobelum bolavensis</i> <b>n. sp.</b> has a short locking carina on the anal shield; whereas the carina is long in <i>S. bicorne</i>.</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> Based on holotype male and paratype female.</p> <p> <b>Measurements</b>: Holotype male. Body length ca 32.9 mm. Width, of thoracic shield = 14.2 mm, of tergite 8 = 14.9 mm (= broadest). Height, of thoracic shield = 7.1 mm, of tergite 7 = 8.2 mm (= highest). Female: body length = ca 28.8 mm. Width, of thoracic shield = 12.6 mm, of tergite 8 = 13.6 mm (=broadest). Height, of thoracic shield = 7.6 mm, of tergite 7, 8.3 mm (= highest). <b>Coloration</b>: in preserved specimens dark green, tergites with black posterior margin. Head and collum chestnut brown. Antennae orange, legs brown (Fig. 6A).</p> <p> <b>Head</b>: Eyes with>70 ocelli. Aberrant ocellus located inside antennal groove. Antennae short, with rounded joints, extending posteriorly to leg-pair 3. First antennomere with cuticular scales (Fig. 7A). Lengths of antennomeres: 1>2=3=4=5<<6 (Fig. 7A). All antennomeres densely pubescent, sensilla basiconica surrounding apical disc. Shape of antennae sexually dimorphic, cylindrical in female; thickened, apically widened and slightly flattened in male (Fig. 7B). Apical disc with ca 47/52 apical cones (male) (Fig. 7B) or 30/32 (female). Apical cone shape typical of Diplopoda (Fig. 7B). Organ of Tömösváry located inside antennal groove. <b>Gnathochilarium</b>: structure typical of the order. Palpi with sensory cones arranged in clusters. <b>Mandibles</b> not dissected.</p> <p> <b>Stigmatic plates</b>: first stigmatic plate widely rounded, apex well-rounded, weakly curved towards coxa 1. <b>Laterotergites</b>: laterotergite 1 strongly projecting into a sharp tip. Laterotergite 2 with a broad, stout, much shorter projection. <b>Collum</b> with glabrous surface, margins with few isolated setae. <b>Thoracic shield</b>: surface glabrous unlike tergites, setae only in grooves. Shallow grooves beset with numerous long setae, sloped towards groove with 9 continuous anterior and posterior keels. <b>Tergites</b>: surface densely setose with short setae. Tips of paratergites of midbody tergites projecting posteriorly. <b>Endotergum</b>: inner section lacking any spines or setae. Middle area with a single row of large, sparse, elliptical, cuticular impressions. Distance between impressions twice as wide as their diameter. Apically, 2 dense rows of long marginal bristles, their tips slightly protruding beyond tergal margin (Fig. 9A). Bristles not smooth, but with numerous small spicules. <b>Anal shield</b>: large, sexually dimorphic: in female weakly bell-shaped, in male strongly bell-shaped. Surface in both sexes completely covered by tiny setae. Underside with a single, short, black, locking carina, the latter located close to last laterotergite. <b>Legs</b>: leg-pair 1 with 2 ventral spines, leg-pair 2 with 4, leg-pair 3 with 5 or 6. First two leg-pairs without an apical spine. Leg-pairs 4–21 with 7–9 ventral spines and one dorso-apical spine. In leg-pair 9, femur 1.3 times, tarsus 4 times longer than wide (Fig. 8A). All podomeres densely setose. Coxa with a large and well-rounded process. Coxal process absent on leg-pair 1 and 2. Prefemur apico-mesally with a weak projection. Femur in apical part extended mesally into a dentate margin tipped with 4–6 teeth.</p> <p> <b>Female sexual characters</b>: vulva large, covering 2/3 of coxa, extending mesally to anterior third of prefemur (Fig. 8B). Operculum rounded, very slightly invaginated medially, mesal margin strongly projecting into a wellrounded lobe twice as long as operculum. <b>Subanal plate</b>: damaged.</p> <p> <b>Male sexual characters</b>: gonopore covered with a single, undivided, circular, sclerotized plate (Fig. 10A). <b>Anterior telopods</b> (Figs 10 B–D): consisting of only 3 telopoditomeres above syncoxite. Telopoditomeres 3 and 4 apparently fused. Telopoditomere 1 rectangular, as long as wide. Telopoditomere 2 large, half as long as telopoditomere 3. Process of telopoditomere 2 located posteriorly, visible in anterior view; process slender, projecting to half length of telopoditomere 3. Process of telopoditomere 2 conspicuously 'hooked' apically with a sharp tip. Telopoditomere 3 massive, cylindrical, straight, apically slightly tapering; posterior side with a black sclerotized spot and a small, triangular spine. Telopoditomere 1 in apical view covered with long setae. In posterior view all telopoditomeres almost glabrous. <b>Posterior telopods</b> (Figs 10E, F): telopoditomere 1 short, half as long as wide. Immovable finger (process of telopoditomere 2) shorter than movable finger, consisting of telopoditomeres 3 and 4. Immovable finger with a characteristic distally swollen apex; well rounded, apex therefore twice as wide as base. Telopoditomere 3 rectangular, well rounded. Telopoditomere 4 as long as but slightly slenderer than telopoditomere 3. Telopoditomere 4 2.7 times longer than wide; apically weakly tapering, very slightly curved towards immovable finger. Telopoditomere 1 at both sides covered by setae, remaining telopoditomeres in posterior view almost glabrous, in anterior view with few isolated setae except for immovable finger which is more densely setose.</p> <p> <b>Remarks</b>: This species occurs in syntopy with a female of an undetermined species, Zephroniidae sp. L04b (see below).</p> <p> <b>Derivatio nominis</b>: bolavensis, noun in apposition, from the Bolaven plateau in Laos where this species was discovered (Fig. 5).</p>Published as part of <i>Wesener, Thomas, 2019, First records of giant pill-millipedes from Laos (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida, Zephroniidae), pp. 201-248 in Zootaxa 4563 (2)</i> on pages 212-215, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4563.2.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/2601072">http://zenodo.org/record/2601072</a&gt

Zoosphaerium micropiligerum Wesener 2009, new species

Zoosphaerium micropiligerum, new species Derivatio nominis: micropiligerum, adjective. Consisting out of micro = small, and piligerum, referring to the similarity of this species with Z. piligerum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897). Studied material: Holotype: 1 M (18 mm long), FMMC 5399. Locus typicus: Madagascar, Province de Toliara, RNI Andohahela, parcel 1, 20.0 km SE Andranodambo, 24°33.7'S, 46°43.3'E, montane rainforest, 1875 m, coll. S. Goodman, pitfall traps, 27.xi.–5.xii.1995. Paratypes: 1 M, FMMC 5399, same data as holotype; 8 M, 2 F, FMMC 5416, RNI Andohahela, parcel 1, camp 4, 15.0 km NW Eminiminy, 24°34.2'S, 46°43.9'E, rainforest, 1500 m, coll. S. Goodman 17–27.XI.1995. Other material: 5 M, 1 F CAS BLF 5013, Parc National d'Andohahela, Col du Sedro, 3.8 km 113° ESE Mahamavo, 37.6 km 341° NNW Tolagnaro, 24°45'50"S, 46°45'6"E, 900 m, montane rainforest, coll. Fisher, Griswold et al., pitfall trap, 21–25.I.2002. Distribution: This species is only known from the montane rainforest at Andohahela (Fig. 77). Diagnosis: Small and elongated, circa 20 mm long. Color strongly faded in alcohol, shiny. Texture of tergites with small grooves and hairs. Anal shield in males covered completely with very short hairs. Disc of antenna with four apical cones (Fig. 79A). Antenna unusual long, reaching up to fifth tergite. Antennomeres 1 and 2 with sclerotized teeth. All antennomeres without groove (Fig. 79B). Movable finger of posterior telopods strongly curved, with five sclerotized spines (Fig. 78E); posterior side with up to eight sclerotized teeth (Fig. 78F). Fixed finger strongly curved, long and slender, basally with large membranous lobe and sclerotized spine (Fig. 78E). Two long stridulation ribs on male harp (Fig. 78C) and two on each half of female washboard. Anal shield with two locking carinae, first short, second 3 or 4 times longer than first. Females immature. Similar species: The general shape of telopods is similar to those of Zoosphaerium piligerum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897) and Z. pseudopiligerum, n. sp.. The much smaller size, unusual long antennae with only four apical cones and differences in the telopods identifies Z. micropiligerum as a new species. Description: Body length: Males (10 specimens): length up to 18 mm, width of thoracic shield up to 7.1 mm, height of thoracic shield up to 4.9 mm. Female (1 specimen): length 16 mm, width 7.9 mm, height 4.6 mm. FIGURE 078. Zoosphaerium micropiligerum n. sp., holotype, A: first left coxa and prefemur with stigmatic plate; B: second left coxa with gonopore, posterior view; C: left half of anterior telopod, anterior view; D: last three podomeres of anterior telopod, posterior view; E: posterior telopod, anterior view; F: posterior telopod, posterior view. Abbreviations: cav = cavity; Cx = coxa; Pre = prefemur; s-p = sclerotized spot; scl-t = sclerotized teeth; SR = stridulation rib; St = stigmatic plate. Scale bar = 1 mm. FIGURE 079. Zoosphaerium micropiligerum n. sp., paratype, SEM, A: antenna, apical view on disc; B: antenna, lateral view; C: right mandible, mesal view. Abbreviations: 3iT = 3 inner teeth; Co = condylus; eT = external tooth; mp = molar plate; pL = pectinate lamella. Habitus: Especially males are remarkably long and slender. Coloration: Faded in alcohol. Body with traces of pitch–black coloration. Appendages whitish, sometimes with traces of olive green. Head: Eyes with more than 50 ocelli. Antennae: Unusually long, reaching back to 5th tergite. Length of antennomeres: 1=2=3>4=5<6 (Fig. 79B), sixth antennomere longest, cylindrical, bearing disc with four sensory cones (Fig. 79A). First antennomere with neither groove nor sensilla basiconica (Fig. 79B). Sclerotized teeth at base of antennomeres 1 and 2 (Fig. 79B). Mandible: Six rows of pectinate lamellae, number of teeth declining proximally (Fig. 79C). Molar plate with deep groove (Fig. 79C). Condylus well-rounded (Fig. 79C). Gnathochilarium: Lateral of palpi circa five sensory cones, located together. Depression on posterior side of palpi without sensory cones. Collum: Median part of collum glabrous. Thoracic shield: Surface similar to tergites. Tergites: Posterior margin of paratergites projecting posteriorly. Tergites covered with small pits and hair. Endotergum: Inner section with broad spines and few, isolated bristles (Fig. 88A). Between marginal ridge and inner area without special structures. Externally single row of very short marginal bristles, protruding up to 1/3 of space towards tergite margin (Fig. 88A). Anal shield: Neither bell-shaped nor tapered. At least in males covered with numerous hairs standing in minute impressions. Underside carries two well-developed black locking carinae, anterior short, posterior carina 3.5–4 times longer than first. Legs: First tarsi with up to four, second with up to seven, third with eight long ventral spines. First two leg pairs with only weakly curved claws and without apical spine. Tarsi of legs 3–21 with curved claws, eight ventral spines and apical spine. In 9th leg, tarsi 4.2 times longer than wide. Stigmatic plates: First plate, lobe weakly curved, short and stout (Fig. 78A). Female: Immature, with two stridulation ribs on each side of washboard. Male sexual characters: Male gonopore large, covered with huge, sclerotized, undivided and rounded plate (Fig. 78B). Anal shield completely covered with numerous short hairs. Anterior telopods (Figs 78C, D): Harp with two stridulation ribs, both straight and long. Lateral rib longer than inner rib, reaching from basal to apical part of first podomere. Second podomere process lobe-like and little curved with rounded edges, reaching almost as high as third podomere, apically with sclerotized spots and basally with one spine. Third podomere cylindrical, almost as wide as second podomere process. Cavity mesally with numerous sclerotized spots and five small spines, spines located basally, medially and largest two apically closely towards tip. Tip of third podomere with circular, sclerotized spot. Posterior telopods: Movable finger strongly curved. Hollowed-out inner margin with up to five smaller, sclerotized spines, two located at its tip; posterior aspect with 8 sclerotized spots. Fixed finger slender, far shorter than movable finger. Fixed finger tip strongly curved, anterior side basally with single, large membranous lobe and sclerotized spine, around its tip with numerous small, sclerotized spots. Movable finger glabrous, first and second podomere almost glabrous, on both sides with some isolated hair. Inner horns of syncoxite apically curved. Tips sharp, whole horns covered with numerous short hairs.Published as part of Wesener, Thomas, 2009, Unexplored richness: discovery of 31 new species of Giant Pill-Millipedes endemic to Madagascar, with a special emphasis on microendemism (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida), pp. 1-134 in Zootaxa 2097 (1) on pages 115-118, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.2097.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/531653