Morphology of the mandibles and the first maxillae in the family Lithobiidae (Myriapoda, Chilopoda), with remarks on their phylogenetic significance.

ABSTRACT: The mandibles and the first maxillae of 37 species of the family Lithobiidae (Myriapoda, Chilopoda) were investigated and compared to provide a structural overview and evaluate their significance for the systematics of the family. The species sampling focused on the genus Lithobius, examining 33 species of four subgenera (Lithobius, Monotarsobius, Sigibius, Ezembius), as this genus represents about half of the known diversity of Lithobiidae, including more than 500 assigned species and subspecies. The microstructures on the mandibular gnathal edge and the first maxillary telopodites and coxal projections were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Although having a similar structural pattern, we demonstrate that the microstructures are variable within and between species of adult spec

SUBMITTER: Ganske AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6587478 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature