Brevitibius nyathi, Mwabvu, Tarombera, Hamer, Michelle L. & Slotow, Robert H., 2007

Mwabvu, Tarombera, Hamer, Michelle L. & Slotow, Robert H., 2007, A taxonomic review of the southern African millipede genus, Bicoxidens Attems, 1928 (Diplopoda: Spirostreptida: Spirostreptidae), with the description of three new species and a tentative phylogeny, Zootaxa 1452, pp. 1-23 : 14-16

B. nyathi sp. n. Mwabvu

Fig. 8

Type material (examined): Holotype: ZIMBABWE: 1 ɗ, Mudzwiru River [2030B4], 4.ii.1994, F. Nyathi (NMZ/D747)

Etymology: Named after Mr Francis Nyathi (Natural History Museum, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) in recognition of his contribution to the collection and study of invertebrates in Zimbabwe.

Diagnosis: Apical telocoxite with a lateral and median process resulting in an oval shape ( Fig. 8 a); subapically, the median leaf has a raised subapical process ( Fig. 8b ). A laterally deflected aboral lateral leaf lobe, more tapered than rounded, is present ( Fig. 8b ).

Abbreviations: cf, collum fold; fl, femoral lobe; llb, lateral leaf lobe; lp, lateral process; ml, median leaf; mp, median process; pc, paracoxite; pfl, prefemoral lobe; tp, telopodite.

Description:

Size: Body length 115 mm; minimum and maximum body width 4–5 and 6–7 mm; antenna length 5–6 mm.

Number of body rings: 52

Colour: Body black; legs and antennae brown.

Collum: With three complete folds and an incomplete fold ( Fig. 8 d).

Pre-femoral process of 1st pair of male legs: Subtriangular, proximally parallel, with a rounded tip ( Fig. 8 c).

Sigilla on body ring: Three irregular rows, reduced to one ventrally.

Gonopod: Orally, apical telocoxite oval. A median process is present, directed distally, not overlapping the opposite one. Aborally, apex of median leaf slightly raised ( Fig.8b ). An aboral, lateral leaf lobe extending from apical telocoxite (below the level of the apex of the median leaf) deflected laterally, more tapered than rounded. The telopodite forms an incomplete loop distally ( Fig. 8 a)

Distribution: Known from Mudzwiru River, south of Gweru, Zimbabwe ( Fig. 10). Specimen found under a granite rock.

Remarks: The apical telocoxite is oval and simple, unlike other species. However, it resembles matopoensis , nigerrimus , friendi , gokwensis and brincki by having an aboral lobe on the lateral leaf. However, in nyathi the lobe is smaller, deflected laterally and is more tapered than rounded.

Figures

FIGURE 8. B. nyathi sp. nov. (NMZ / D 747). a, oral view of gonopods; b, aboral view of gonopods; c, oral view of prefemoral lobe of first pair of male legs; d, lateral view of collum.