New species of the genus <i>Archimonocelis</i> Meixner, 1938 (Proseriata, Archimonocelididae) from southern Apulia (Italy)

Abstract

A survey of the composition of the genus Archimonocelis Meixner, 1938 in southern Apulia (Italy) revealed the presence of four species, three of which are new. Archimonocelis scopulicola n. sp. has a straight stylet, provided with a girdle of 18 copulatory spines, and a chromosome set with n=10. In both A. cygnicollis n. sp. and A. parastaresoi n. sp., an accessory glandular organ, provided with spines, is present. A. cygnicollis n. sp. is provided with a unique double-walled stylet. A. parastaresoi n. sp. is similar to the western Mediterranean A. staresoi Martens &amp; Curini-Galletti, 1993; size and shape of accessory spines are the main discriminating features between the two species. In addition, numerous specimens of A. carmelitana Martens &amp; Curini-Galletti, 1993 were found. A comprehensive discussion of the new species is given