Ectonocryptoides quadrimeropus, a new centipede genus and species from Jalisco, Mexico; proposal of Ectonocryptopinae, analysis of subfamilial relationships, and a key to subfamilies and genera of the Scolopocryptopidae (Scolopendromorpha)

Abstract

Ectonocryptoides quadrimeropus, n. gen., n. sp., is proposed for a minute scolopocryptopid centipede occurring near sea level in coastal Jalisco that is anatomically similar to the unillustrated, written description of Ectonocryptops kraepelini Crabill, 1977, from ca. 1,615 m (5,300 ft) elevation in the interior of Colima. Both possess enlarged, subclavate caudal legs that lack claws and in which the distal podomeres are inflated and bulbous, but this appendage has only 4 articles in the former (tibiae and 1st tarsi enlarged) and 5 in the latter (tibiae and 1st & 2nd tarsi enlarged). The genera cannot be accommodated by an existing subfamily, necessitating proposal of Ectonocryptopinae, the fourth scolopocryptopid subfamily, the others being Newportiinae, Kethopinae, and Scolopocryptopinae. A key is provided to the subfamilies and eight component genera; each of the former contains two anatomically similar genera, as Tidops Chamberlin, 1915, is returned to the Newportiinae from the nominate taxon, where it was transferred without justification. Relationships among the four subfamilies are postulated as Kethopinae + (Scolopocryptopinae + (Ectonocryptopinae + Newportiinae)).