Corresponding author: Sergei Golovatch
(
Academic editor: P. Stoev
The genus
The genus
A checklist of New Guinea
The present contribution focuses on descriptions of further nine new species of
A dynamic web page for each taxon name mentioned in the paper is generated on the fly by the Pensoft Taxon Profile tool (see
The bulk of the material treated here has been returned to NMNHS, only a single paratype having been donated to the collection of the Zoological Museum, State University of Moscow, Moscow, Russia (ZMUM).
Small to medium-sized (12–33 mm long)
Gonopod subcylindrical, setose distodorsally, rather long, but considerably shorter than telopodite; prefemoral (= densely setose) part at least twice shorter than femorite; the latter without evidence of torsion (= seminal groove running entirely mesally), but with an evident dorsomesal groove (only rarely transformed apically into a small projection) delimited by longitudinal folds or crests; distal part of femorite projected into a distinct lateral lobe or process (
Above is a slightly amended diagnosis of
In addition to
Holotype♂(NMNHS),Papua New Guinea, Western Province, Finim Tel Plateau, near Cave Kumsop Tem, 16 August 1975, B.S.E. (leg. Ph. Chapman & P. Beron). – Paratypes: 1 ♀(NMNHS), same locality, together with holotype. 2 ♂ (fragmented, one with only head and segments 1–8, the other lacking segments 8–12) (NMNHS), 1 ♂ (ZMUM), West Sepik Province, Telefomin area, 1700 m, September 1975, B.S.E. (leg. P. Beron).
Emphasizes the abundant setae on the collum and following metaterga, to reflect “papua” which means “curly-headed” in Tok Pisin (= Pidgin English, Neomelanesian). A noun in apposition.
Due toabundanttergal setae, comes closest tothe partly sympatric
Length of both holo- and complete paratypes ca 20–21 mm, width of pro- and metazona 1.4–1.6 and 1.7–1.9 mm (♂), or 1.9 and 2.2 mm (♀), respectively. Holotype ca 20 mm long, 1.6 and 1.9 mm wide on midbody pro- and metazona, respectively. Coloration rather uniformly light brown to brown, sometimes with a faint cingulated pattern due to slightly infuscate prozona and more flavous metazona; paraterga, epiproct, venter and legs light yellow-brownish.
In width, head > segment 2 = 5–16 > collum > 3 = 4; on segments 17–19, body gently tapering towards telson. Entire head densely setose. Antennae rather long, slightly clavate, reaching beyond segment 4 (♂) or 3 (♀) dorsally; antennomere 2 longer than 6th. Collum transversely oval, lateral flaps small, regularly and broadly rounded. Tegument generally rather smooth and shining, only below several anterior paraterga faintly microgranulate. Paraterga of postcollum segments rather poorly developed (
Sterna rather densely setose; a rather high, linguiform, subtruncate, ventral, setose lamina only between ♂ coxae 4 (
Gonopods as in
Holotype♂(NMNHS),Papua New Guinea, Western Province, Mt Fugilil, near camp, 2980 m, 9 September 1975, B.S.E. (leg. Ph. Chapman & P. Beron). – Paratype: 1 ♂(NMNHS), West Sepik Province, Telefomin area, 1700 m, September 1975, B.S.E. (leg. P. Beron).
“tumbuna” means “ancestor” or “ancestors” in Pidgin English. A noun in apposition.
Differs from congeners by the rather wide paratergal calluses strongly delimited not only dorsally, but also ventrally, by the distal part of the solenophore being dentate/lobulate, not split (see also Key below).
Length of both holo- and paratype ca 20 mm, width of pro- and metazona 1.4 and 2.1 (holotype) or 1.2 and 1.8 mm (paratype), respectively. Coloration rather uniformly light brown to brown, only front 1/3 of body slightly more intensely brown; dorsal sides of prozona, calluses on paraterga, epiproct and venter light yellow-brown to nearly pallid. Sometimes (paratype) region near stricture between pro- and metazona slightly infuscate, brown, thus creating a faint cingulate pattern.
In width, head >> collum = segment 3 = 4 < 2 < 5–16; thereafter body gently tapering towards telson. Entire head densely setose. Antennae rather long, slightly clavate, reaching beyond midlength of segment 3 or 4 dorsally; antennomere 6 longer than 2nd. Collum transversely oval, lateral flaps small, regularly and broadly rounded. Tegument generally smooth and shining, only below paraterga faintly microgranulate; rear halves of metaterga sometimes faintly rugulose. Paraterga of postcollum segments moderately well developed (
Sterna rather densely setose; a rather high, linguiform, caudally rounded, ventral, setose lamina only between ♂ coxae 4 (
Gonopods as in
Holotype♂(NMNHS),Papua New Guinea, West Sepik Province, Telefomin area, September 1975, leg. B.S.E.
To reflect the wide spots/bands in the front halves of the collum, following metaterga and epiproct.
Distinguished by the very poorly developed paraterga, coupled with a non-fringed tip of the solenophore (see also Key below).
Length ca 24 mm, width of pro- and metazona 2.0 and 2.4 mm, respectively. Coloration light yellow-brown with front halves of collum, following metaterga and epiproct, as well as entire head and antennae contrasting brown, thus creating a clear cingulate pattern.
In width, head > collum = segment 3 = 4 < 2 < 5–16; thereafter body gently tapering towards telson. Head densely setose, only vertex bare. Antennae rather short, clavate, reaching beyond segment 2 dorsally; antennomere 6 longer than 2nd. Collum transversely oval, lateral flaps small, regularly and broadly rounded. Tegument generally smooth and shining. Paraterga of postcollum segments very poorly developed (
Sterna densely setose; a rather high, linguiform, caudally rounded, ventral, setose lamina only between ♂ coxae 4 (
Gonopods as in
Holotype♂(incomplete, lacking segments 8–11)(NMNHS),Papua New Guinea, Western Province, Finim Tel Plateau, rain forest, 2300 m, 8 August 1975, B.S.E. (leg. P. Beron).
To reflect the short legs.
Distinguished by the rather short legs, coupled with quite evident paraterga and a missing colour pattern (see also Key below).
Length ca 18 mm, width of pro- and metazona 1.1 and 1.3 mm, respectively. Coloration rather uniformly light brown to red-brown, only legs yellowish.
In width, head > collum = segment 2 < 3 = 4 < 5–17; thereafter body gently tapering towards telson. Head densely setose, but vertex with 1+1 setae. Antennae short, clavate, reaching beyond segment 2 dorsally; antennomere 6 longer than 2nd. Collum transversely oval, lateral flaps small, regularly and broadly rounded. Tegument generally smooth and shining, only below paraterga faintly microgranulate. Paraterga of postcollum segments nearly missing (
Sterna rather sparsely setose; a rather high, linguiform, caudally rounded, ventral, setose lamina only between coxae 4 (
Gonopods as in
Holotype♂(NMNHS),Papua New Guinea, Western Province, Finim Tel area, October 1975, B.S.E. (leg. P. Beron). – Paratypes: 2 ♀(NMNHS), same locality, together with holotype.
“masalai” means a “brownie” in Pidgin English. A noun in apposition.
Distinguished by the rather narrow paratergal calluses, coupled with a missing colour pattern and a deeply split distal part of the solenophore (see also Key below).
Length ca 18 (holotype) or 20 mm (paratypes), width of pro- and metazona 1.3 and 1.8 (holotype) or 1.7 and 2.0 mm (paratypes), respectively. Coloration uniformly castaneous brown to light brown; antennae light yellow-brown, legs yellow.
In width, head > collum = segments 5–17 < 2 < 3 = 4. Head densely setose, only vertex with 1+1 setae. Antennae rather short, slightly clavate, reaching beyond (♂) or end of segment 2 (♀) dorsally; antennomere 6 longer than 2nd. Collum transversely oval, lateral flaps small, regularly and broadly rounded. Tegument generally smooth and shining, only below paraterga faintly microgranulate; rear halves of metaterga sometimes faintly rugulose. Paraterga of postcollum segments moderately well developed (
Sterna rather sparsely setose; a rather high, linguiform, caudally rounded, ventral, setose lamina only between ♂ coxae 4 (
Gonopods as in
Holotype♂(NMNHS),Papua New Guinea, Western Province, Finim Tel area, October 1975, B.S.E. (leg. P. Beron).
“Tifalmin” is the name of one of the main local tribes. A noun in apposition.
Distinguished by the relatively large size, coupled with a peculiar, albeit vague, colour pattern and a deeply split distal part of the solenophore (see also Key below).
Length ca 24 mm, width of pro- and metazona 1.9 and 2.6 mm, respectively. Coloration rather uniformly castaneous brown with a broad, rather vague, light yellow-brown, axial stripe running from collum to end of epiproct; much of prozona dorsally and dorsolaterally slightly infuscate, up to dark brown; head and antennae light brown; legs mostly light yellow-brown, only tibiae and tarsi infuscate, dark brown.
In width, head = segments 5–17 > 2 > collum > 3 = 4. Head densely setose, only vertex bare. Antennae medium-sized, slightly clavate, reaching beyond segment 3 dorsally; antennomere 2 longer than 6th. Collum transversely oval, lateral flaps small, regularly and broadly rounded. Tegument generally smooth and shining, only below paraterga faintly microgranulate; rear halves of metaterga sometimes faintly rugulose. Paraterga of postcollum segments moderately well developed (
Sterna rather sparsely setose; a rather high, linguiform, roundly subtriangular, ventral, setose lamina only between coxae 4 (
Gonopods as in
Holotype♂(NMNHS),Papua New Guinea, West Sepik Province, Telefomin, 1700 m, 19 October 1975, B.S.E. (leg. P. Beron).
“liklik” means “small” or “little” in Pidgin English. A noun in apposition.
Distinguished by the small size, coupled with the short legs, the poorly developed paraterga and the contrasting infuscate distal antenno- and podomeres (see also Key below).
Length ca 15 mm, width of pro- and metazona 1.2 and 1.4 mm, respectively. Coloration uniformly light yellowish, with distal antennomeres, as well as tibiae and, especially, tarsi contrasting dark brown.
In width, head < collum = segments 3 = 4 < 2 < 5–16. Head densely setose, only vertex bare. Antennae rather short, slightly clavate, reaching beyond segment 2 dorsally; antennomere 6 longer than 2nd. Collum transversely oval, lateral flaps small, regularly and broadly rounded. Tegument generally smooth and shining, only below paraterga faintly microgranulate; rear halves of metaterga sometimes faintly rugulose. Paraterga of postcollum segments poorly developed (
Sterna rather sparsely setose; a rather high, linguiform, roundly subtriangular, ventral, setose lamina only between coxae 4 (
Gonopods as in
Holotype♂(NMNHS),Papua New Guinea, West Sepik Province, Telefomin, 1700 m, 19 October 1975, B.S.E. (leg. P. Beron).
To reflect the pallid coloration.
Distinguished by the pallid coloration, coupled with very poorly developed paraterga and the barbed solenophore tip (see also Key below).
Length ca 20 mm, width of pro- and metazona 1.8 and 1.95 mm, respectively. Coloration uniformly light white-yellowish, with traces of light brown on rear halves of metaterga.
In width, head > collum > segment 3 = 4 < 2 < 5–16. Head densely setose, only vertex with 1+1 setae. Antennae rather short, slightly clavate, reaching beyond segment 2 dorsally; antennomere 6 longer than 2nd. Collum transversely oval, lateral flaps small, regularly and broadly rounded. Tegument generally smooth and shining, only below paraterga faintly microgranulate and rugulose; rear halves of metaterga sometimes faintly rugulose as well. Paraterga of postcollum segments very poorly developed (
Sterna rather sparsely setose; a rather high, linguiform, roundly subtrapeziform, ventral, setose lamina only between coxae 4 (
Gonopods as in
Holotype♂(NMNHS),Papua New Guinea, West Sepik Province, Telefomin area, 1700 m, September 1975, B.S.E. (leg. P. Beron). – Paratype: 1 ♂ fragment(NMNHS), same locality, together with holotype.
To reflect the beautiful appearance.
Distinguished by the rugulose to rugose caudal halves of metaterga and the relatively thin paraterga (see also Key below).
Length ca 20 mm (holotype), width of pro- and metazona 1.5 and 2.0 mm, respectively (both holo- and paratype). Coloration uniformly light yellow-brownish to brownish.
In width, head >> collum = segment 3 = 4 < 2 < 5–16. Head densely setose, only vertex with 1+1 setae. Antennae rather short, slightly clavate, reaching midway of segment 3 dorsally; antennomere 2 longer than 6th. Collum transversely oval, lateral flaps small, regularly and broadly rounded. Tegument generally smooth and shining, only below paraterga faintly microgranulate; rear halves of metaterga rugulose to rugose longitudinally. Paraterga of postcollum segments relatively well developed (
Sterna rather sparsely setose; a rather high, linguiform, roundly subtruncate, ventral, setose lamina only between coxae 4 (
Gonopods as in
1 | Collum and following metaterga very densely and irregularly setose. Lateral margin of paraterga with several indentations (as in |
2 |
– | Collum and following metaterga at most with fewer setae, these, when traceable at least as insertion points, arranged in 1–3 regular transverse rows. Lateral margin of paraterga at most with 1–2 indentations or undulations, usually smooth (as in |
3 |
2 | Hypoproct semi-circular. Sternal lobe between ♂ coxae 4 stouter, truncate at tip ( |
|
– | Hypoproct trapeziform. Sternal lobe between ♂ coxae 4 evidently higher and slenderer, rounded at tip. Gonopod tip simpler, devoid of teeth or lobules |
|
3 | Metatergal sulci entirely wanting | 4 |
– | Transverse sulci, albeit sometimes superficial, present on most metaterga | 5 |
4 | Body width < 1.0 mm. Metaterga with several setae arranged in 2–3 transverse rows. Apicolateral lobe of gonopod femorite a long uncus |
|
– | Body width 2.3 mm (♂). Metaterga with 2+2 setae arranged in a single, transverse, anterior row. Apicolateral lobe of gonopod femorite low and rounded. |
|
5 | Apical papillae of epiproct long and evidently spiniform, curved and directed caudoventrally, epiproct tip strongly emarginate and bifid ( |
6 |
– | Apical papillae of epiproct smaller, usually rounded, epiproct tip never so markedly emarginate ( |
10 |
6 | Larger: width 3.2–3.6 mm. |
|
– | Smaller: width ≤ 2.4 mm. | 7 |
7 | All postcollum paraterga evident, caudal corner mostly sharp and at least slightly extending beyond rear tergal margin. Gonopod femorite with a high, subtriangular, apicolateral lobe. |
|
– | Only segments 2–4 with evident paraterga, following ones only with slight swellings delimited only by a dorsal sulcus or line at best ( |
8 |
8 | Solenophore devoid of a distal lobe |
|
– | Solenophore with an evident distal lobe (k, |
9 |
9 | Gonopod tip not fringed (j, |
|
– | Gonopod tip evidently barbed (j, |
|
10 | Only segments 2–4 with evident paraterga, following ones represented by slight swellings not delimited by a sulcus even dorsally ( |
11 |
– | All postcollum paraterga evident, delimited by a sulcus or line both dorsally and, at least in caudal quarter, ventrally ( |
12 |
11 | A wide, yellow, axial stripe against a castaneous brown background running from collum to epiproct |
|
– | Coloration rather uniformly light brown to red-brown, devoid of a pattern | |
12 | Body width 3.7 mm. Metaterga with 2+2 oblique yellowish stripes |
|
– | Body width ≤ 3.0 mm. No such pattern | 13 |
13 | No lighter axial stripe, but each segment with an inversely Y-shaped marking. Solenophore tip simple, rounded |
|
– | A more or less evident, lighter, axial stripe running from collum to epiproct. Solenophore tip usually more elaborate, lobulate and/or denticulate | 14 |
14 | A clear-cut, axial, yellow stripe. Apicolateral lobe of gonopod femorite very prominent and deeply bifid, tip of solenophore lobulate. |
|
– | Pattern less evident/sharp. Apicolateral lobe of gonopod femorite much lower, rounded, not bifid. | 15 |
15 | Coloration of body light brown with a grey-yellow mid-dorsalregion. Transverse sulcus on metaterga complete, reaching bases of paraterga |
|
– | Colour of body different. Transverse sulcus on metaterga incomplete, not reaching bases of paraterga. | 16 |
16 | Body width 2.6 mm (♂). Coloration castaneous brown with a broad, rather vague, light yellow-brown, axial stripe. Distal part of solenophore deeply biramous ( |
|
– | Body width < 2.0 mm. A pallid axial stripe | 17 |
17 | 2nd antennomere longer than 6th. Tarsal brushes present in all ♂ legs. Solenophore tip acuminate, with a minute subapical denticle. |
|
– | 6th antennomere longer than 2nd. Tarsal brushes present only in anterior ♂ legs. Solenophore tip subacuminate, faintly bifid |
|
18 | Coloration uniformly light yellowish, but distal antenno- and podomeres contrasting dark brown. Caudal corner of all postcollum paraterga never extending behind rear tergal margin ( |
|
– | Coloration different, pattern absent. Caudal corner of at least some postcollum paraterga extending behind rear tergal margin. Gonopods different | 19 |
19 | Body width 3.0 mm (♀). Metaterga light brown, prozona, sides of metazona, venter and legs yellow. |
|
– | Body width 1.8–2.1 mm (♂). Coloration different, usually more uniform | 20 |
20 | Caudal halves of metaterga rugulose to rugose longitudinally ( |
|
– | Caudal halves of metaterga at best faintly rugulose. Paraterga much thicker in lateral view, especially so in pore-bearing segments; caudal corners evidently extending beyond rear tergal margin at least in some other segments. Gonopods different. | 21 |
21 | Paratergal calluses rather wide, very evidently delimited not only dorsally, but ventrally as well ( |
|
– | Paratergal calluses rather narrow, only poorly delimited ventrally ( |
There can be no doubt that New Guinea supports numerous species of
Even though the number of
Distribution of
We are most grateful to the Bulgarian-Russian Interacademician Exchange Programme which allowed the authors for brief research exchanges in 2009–2011 to be made. Petar Beron (NMNHS) kindly provided certain important information concerning his 1975 trip to Papua New Guinea. Louis Deharveng (Paris, France) helpfully advised us on the presence of some closer unidentified