A new centipede Schendylops Cook from eastern Brazil: the firsttroglobitic geophilomorph for South America (Geophilomorpha, Schendylidae)

Abstract

Schendylops janelaosp. n. is described from a limestone cave located in eastern Brazil. There are several reports of geophilomorphs in Brazilian caves, however, the new species represents the first troglobite species for South America and the first for Gruta do Janelão Cave, northern Minas Gerais State. Schendylops janelaosp. n. is described based on a male specimen and differs from its congeners by a combination of 10 characters. We discuss the character-states related to subterranean life and the conservation status of the species.