Mecistocephalus Newport, 1843

Published, First, 2007, The Mecistocephalidae of the Japanese and Taiwanese islands (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha), Zootaxa 1396, pp. 1-84 : 30

Mecistocephalus Newport, 1843

Mecistocephalids with at least 45 leg­bearing segments. Two clypeal plagulae, separated by a midlongitudinal areolate stripe and extending along the lateral margins of the clypeus. Spiculum present (possibly absent only in M. yanagiharai ). Buccae with setae at least in the posterior half. Posterior alae of the labrum without longitudinal stripes, without a distinct series of marginal notches and without a marginal fringe. Coxosternum of the first maxillae divided, with a mid­longitudinal suture. Coxosternum of the second maxillae undivided; groove from the metameric pore reaching the lateral margin of the coxosternum. Telopodites of the second maxillae well developed, overreaching those of the first maxillae; claw present. Forcipular tergum only slightly wider than long, with a distinct mid­longitudinal sulcus. Forcipular article I with a distal tooth and often with another tooth at about mid­length. Sternal sulcus of trunk segments furcate or not. Last leg­bearing segment: Coxopleura usually without a macropore distinct from other pores; legs usually as slender in males as in females, with or without one or two short apical spines.

Number of known species: about 140, of which 18 in the considered area.