Lithobiodesmus, Hoffman, 2006

Hoffman, Richard L., 2006, Diplopoda From Rondônia, Brazil. Ii. Three New Genera In The Family Chelodesmidae (Polydesmida) R L. H Abstract, Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia (S � o Paulo) 46 (5), pp. 43-55 : 47-48

Lithobiodesmus n. gen.

Type species: L. xenoporus n. sp.

Name: Derived from the chilopod generic name Lithobius , in reference to the long slender legs of the

type species with enlarged, spur-like setae forming a distal whorl on each podomere.

Diagnosis: The type species is distinguished by the subcylindrical body (paranota small and set high on sides, dorsum almost flat); prominent oblique pleurosternal carinae; and long and very slender legs with a whorl of enlarged, spur-like setae at distal end of podomeres. Segments 18 and 19 without paranota, 17-19 also lacking ozopores. Gonopods with small, simple, falcate telopodite and large biramous prefemoral process, coxae laterally produced beyond base of telopodite and apically concave, forming a sort of false condyle against which base of telopodite is positioned (unique in the family). Gonopore opening flush on surface of a low distal convexity on coxae of 2 nd male legs.

Distribution: Rondônia, Brazil.

Species: Only the type species is known ( L. xenoporus ).

Remarks: This genus is dissimilar to any others known to me owing to the progressive reduction in paranotal size, and the corresponding absence of ozopores on segments 17, 18 and 19, unique in the family and all polydesmidan taxa in which ozopores are normally present. The hypertrophied pleurosternal carinae are likewise noteworthy. Against these autapomorphic expressions, the gonopod structure strongly resembles that seen in Brachyurodesmus , with which other evidence of relationship may be sought.