Published December 19, 2025
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Two new species of the genus Thereuopoda Verhoeff, 1904 (Scutigeromorpha, Scutigeridae) from Sichuan and Hainan Provinces, China
Authors/Creators
- 1. Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- 2. Longquan Conservation Center of Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu National Park, Longquan, China
Description
Scutigeromorph centipedes are morphologically distinctive myriapods that have historically received limited scientific attention, particularly in China. The taxonomy of the genus Thereuopoda Verhoeff, 1904 has remained largely unresolved since the late 1970s, and recent molecular evidence has indicated the presence of cryptic species within this group. In this study, we describe two new species, T. kaijiangensis sp. nov. Ji, Shen & Zhang from Kaijiang County, Dazhou City, Sichuan Province, China, and T. edgecombei sp. nov. Ji, Liu & Zhang from Chengmai County, Hainan Province, China. Comprehensive morphological descriptions and detailed illustrations are provided for both species, along with an updated diagnostic key to all currently recognized Thereuopoda species in China. Phylogenetic analyses conducted using both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference methods consistently support the monophyly of the genus Thereuopoda and further validate the taxonomic distinctness of the two newly described species.
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