Proceedings of the United States National Museum SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION • WASHINGTON, B.C. A NEW AMERICAN GENUS OF CRYPTOPID CENTIPEDES, WITH AN ANNOTATED KEY TO THE SCOLOPENDRO- MORPH GENERA FROM AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO By Ralph E. Crabill, Jr. Of all centipedes perhaps the Scolopendromorpha are the best known, at least at generic and suprageneric levels. This knowledge has come about partly as a result of the availability of large numbers of study specimens drawn very widely from the earth, and partly as a result of the relatively clear-cut, usually well-defined assemblages that we encounter throughout much of the order. In contrast, where our understanding of the suprageneric structure of all other centipedes is faultj^ or imperfect, the lack of adequate numbers of geographically representative specimens or intrinsic categorical difficulties or both are generally responsible. The scolopendromorphs that we know best, quite understandably, are the larger forms — the kinds attractive to collectors because they are big, fierce looking, and, in the tropics, abundant; for the most part they are the familiar Scolopendridae. By the same token the ones that we know less well are the smaller, often tiny Cr3rptopidae. Here I believe much more remains to be learned; as a matter of fact, it is quite reasonable to anticipate the discovery particularly in the New World Tropics and Subtropics of new cryptopid species and new cryptopid supraspecific patterns, the present new genus being one example. The new form seems most like those presently included under Kethops, and yet apparently differs sufficiently to warrant elevation to equivalent generic rank. Admittedly this decision may seem undesirable once the suprageneric structure of the Scolopocryptopinae has been extended and more perfectly delineated; however, at the 1 2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM vol. lu time of this wi^iting, certain of the differences distinguishing Thalkethops grallatrix, new genus, new species, from the Kethops species seem at least qualitatively to justify my action. Thalkethops and Kethops stand alone within the scolopocryptopine constellation in their possession of cryptopiform ultimate legs (see note 1, p. 13) and lack of sclerotized plates or other appurtenances on the anterior prosternal margin (fig. 13). The lack of prehensorial spinous processes of the basal article distinguishes both genera from the two closely allied genera, Scolopocryptops and Dinocryptops (see note 2, p. 13). They also differ from Kartops in lacking prosternal armature. Newportia and Tidops are readily signalized by their seventh pedal segment spiracles, which Thalkethops and Kethops lack. I believe the most strildng superficial features of Thalkethops are also prominent among the features giving it its generic identity, namely, the extraordinarily long antennal articles (fig. 5), and the long, thin, almost stiltlike legs (hence grallatrix, a female stilt walker, see fig. 14). Additional characters of significance are the following: T. grallatrix: Tarsi 1-21 each with a nearly complete circumarticular suture (fig. 3), hence each essentiall}' bipartite; sternital cross-sulci and submarginal sulci absent. Kethops spp.: Tarsi 1-21 each undi- vided, not suturate (fig. 12) ; sternital cross-sulci more or less and submarginal sulci always distinct. Finally, the following characters may prove to differ consistently between the two: T. grallatrix: Each first maxillary coxosternum with a thin longitudinal and essentially membranous strip (fig. 7); coxopleural ventral margin without a submarginal sulcus, its edge not reflected to form a low flange. Kethops spp. : Each first maxillary coxosternum without a thin mem- branous strip (at least in T. euterpe Crabill) ; coxopleuron with a sub- marginal sulcus, with a flangelike reflected edge (at least in T. euterpe Crabill and T. utahensis (Chamberlin), the genotype). Several features of T. grallatrix suggest adaptation for cave life. The long, light, thin legs seem well suited for swift passage along the cluttered cave floor and over the walls and perhaps along the ceiling. The pale, virtually transparent tergites and appendages may repre- sent a loss of pigmentation such as is well known to occur commonly in many kinds of cavernicoles. Thalkethops, new genus Generic diagnosis: Color: Tergites, sternites, and parts of legs mostly translucent, the underying musculature plainly discernible underneath. Antennae, each with 17 articles; each article extra- ordinarily elongate. Cephalic plate without eyespots or margins; posteromedially with a pair of short, slightly divergent sutures. Maxillae : First, each coxosternum with a weak longitudinal membra- NEW AMERICAN CRYPTOPID GENUS — CRABILL 3 nous strip; second, its apical claw long and acuminate, its dorsal edge pectinate, its ventral edge undissected. Prehensorial segment: Prosternum with anterior margin plain, without sclerotized ridges or plates; ventrally without, dorsally with a short pair of sinuous chitin- lines. Prehensors: Spinous processes and denticles absent; poison calyx in trochanteroprefemur, robust and elongate; tarsungula of normal size and configuration (as in Kethops). Tergites: First with omegoid sutural pattern plus posterior paramedian sutures and anterior cervical suture; 2-22 each with complete paramedian sutures; other sutures absent; 23 without sutures or sulci. Sternites: 1-22 each with a shallow midlongitudinal sulcus; submarginal and cross-sulci both apparently absent. Spiracles: Not operculate; on pedal segments 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. Legs: 1-21 each long and very thin, each tarsus essentially divided by an incomplete ventro bilateral suture, none with a dorsal condyle; 22 very long and thin, tarsus with a dorsal condyle and completely bipartite; 23 the leg cryptopiform, the tarsus with condyle, the prefemur, femur, tibia, and 1st tarsus each with from one to many ventrally ankylosed mucrones (see note 3, p. 13) ; the pre tarsus unlike those preceding, ^vithout acces- sory claws. Coxopleuron: Porigerous; with a ventroposterior short, thin, acute spinous process. Type species: Thalkethops grallatrix, new species (by present designation and monotypy). Thalkethops grallatrix, new species Figures 1-5, 7, 9-11, 13-16 Holotype probably female. New Mexico, Eddy County, Carlsbad Cave (see note 4, p. 14) ; Dixon Freeland and Thomas Ela, August 31, 1957, USNM 2505. Body length 34.5 mm. General color: Antennae, head, prehensors, and ultimate legs with associated segment pale yellow; tergites, sternites, and other legs yellowish-white to whitish and translucent to transparent, the underlying musculature plainly disclosed. Antennae: Each 15 mm. long, each with 17 articles; very pale yellow. From dorsal aspect articles 3-17 conspicuously longer than wide (e.g., 4th, length: width = 3.4 mm.: 1.0 mm.; 10th, 1: w = 3.0: 0.6 ; see figs. 5-6) . Articles 1-3 each sparsely clothed with longer setae, 4 partly clothed with finer denser setae, 5-17 densely finely setose. Cephalic plate : Yellowish, shining, 2.0 mm. long, 2.2 mm. at greatest width; very sparsely invested with minute setae. Posterior corners markedly rounded, sides straight as far as anterolateral angles, there- after converging to form the anterior apex, the apex centrally in- dented and bisected by a short distinct suture. Paramedian sutures 4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM vol. in distinct, beginning on posterior margin then diverging slightl-y, the somewhat longer of the two 0.33 mm. long. Cephahc plate without lateral margins. Clypeus : Deep yellow, sparsely clothed with longer setae. Anterior apex weakly developed. Lateral paraclypeal sutures short, anteriorly incomplete, generally vague. Labrum: Well separated medially from posterior clypeal margin. Median tooth deeply pigmented, robust, evenly pointed, flanked by heavily sclerotized, deeply pigmented rounded inner shoulders of labral sidepieces. True posterior margins of sidepieces membranous, delicately fimbriulate; beneath (i.e., dorsal to) each the darker heavier portions of each sidepiece are visible. Each sidepiece broadly meet- ing inner end of its coclypeus. Anterolateral corner of each sidepiece with a minute sHtlike opening (of a labral gland?); each sidepiece with a field of microscopic sensory points, each resembling a typical sensillum basiconicum. Anteriorly across entire labrum one weU- defined complete and several abortive sclerotic wrinkles (rugae). First maxillae: Each coxosternum with a weak longitudinal suture (actually a thin membranous strip). Second maxillae: Second article with the usual weak dorsodistal spur. Claw long, acuminate, its dorsal edge pectinate, its ventral edge straight, undissected. Dorsal brush dense, beginning at about middle of third article. Mandible: As shown in figure 1 (see also note 5, p. 14). Prehensorial segment : Prosternum: Setae sparse, the majority rela- tively long; surface impressed with numerous microscopic pits each with a sensory point (i.e., each resembling a sensillum basiconicum) ; ventrally without chitin-lines, dorsally with a pair of short abortive and sinuous chitin-hnes (see note 6, p. 14); pleuroprosternal sutures distinct, complete; anterior margin unarmed, without plates or raised sclerotized border, the two sides apparently (but not actually) sepa- rated by a midiongitudinal short membranous strip. Prehensors: All articles with numerous sensOla basiconica; none with spinous proc- esses, denticles, or other armature; poison calyx within the trochan- teropref emur, elongate, thick ; tarsungula of normal size and configura- tion (as in Kethops, see figs. 8 and 9), evenly curved from base to tip; poison canal aperture dorsal, very long and narrow, its greatest length to width=5: 1, Tergites: First pedal tergite yellowish, with a few larger setae; with a distinct cervical suture to which are attached omegoid (i.e., W- shaped) sutures, their posterior apices continuous with prominent paramedian sutures. Tergites 2-22 whitish and translucent, the pos- terior border very pale yellowish, the underlying musculature plainly visible, very sparsely clothed with minute setae; each impressed NEW AMERICAN CRYPTOPID GENUS — CRABILL Figures 1-9 (unless otherwise stated, the following depict parts of Thalketkops grallatrix, holotype).— 1, Right mandible, outer surface (see note 5): a, pulvillus; b, teeth; c, sickle bristles; d, lamina dentifera; e, lamina triangularis; /, manubrium; g, lamina manubrii; A, lamina condylifera; i, condylus or condyle. 2, First pedal tergite, dorsal (setae omitted): a, cervical suture; b, omegoid or W-shaped sutural pattern; c, paramedian sutures. 3, Distotarsus and pretarsus of tenth leg (setae omitted). 4, Second maxillary claw, left, ventral aspect. 5, Fourth (lower) and Sth (upper) antennal articles, left, (setae of Sth shown, of 4th omitted). 6, Kethops euterpe Crabill, type, 4th (lower) and Sth (upper) antennal articles, right (setae of 4th shown, those of Sth omitted). 7, First maxilla, left, ventral aspect (all setae shown): a, weak membranous strip. 8, Kethops euUTpe Crabill, Right poison calyx (black) with its duct (outlined). 9, Right poison calyx (black) with its duct (outlined). 6 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM vol. in longitudinally with two distinct paramedian sutures; each with a pair of broad very shallow longitudinal submarginal troughs or sulci ectal to the aforementioned paramedian sutures, the sulci delineating very weakly defined atypical tergital margins on about 3 or 4 through 22. Sternites 1-22 : Each whitish and translucent, the underlying mus- culature visible; setae extremely sparse and minute. Each longer than wide. Each with a shallow midlongitudinal and rather broad sulcus, these best seen on 1 through 20 or so, thereafter evanescent, barely discernible on 20 and 21; cross-sulci apparently absent; sub- marginal sulci absent. Spiracles: Present on pedal segments 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 (see note 2, p. 13). Legs 1-22 whitish to dilute yellowish- white; setae tiny and sparse except on prefemora and femora, which have a few more robust and deeply colored setae. Legs 1-21 each thin and relativel}'- very long (10th leg not including trochanter and pretarsus, 6.17 mm.; 1st tarsus (1.17 mm.)+2d tarsus (0.57 mm.)> tibia (1.57 mm.)> prefemur (1.53 mm.)>femur (1.33 mm.)); a pale suture incomplete only dorsally indistinctly dividing each tarsus into a longer very slightly thicker proximo tarsus and a shorter very slightly thinner distotarsus; dorsal condyles absent on 1-21; each pretarsus with 2 very long thin accessory claws (actually spurs ankjdosed to base of pretarsus) . Legpair 22: Tarsus completely divided, with a promi- nent pigmented dorsal condyle; slightly longer than preceding legs, otherwise not differing significantly. Prectrotaxy: VTaM=l-21, VTiM=l-22, DTiA=l-21; pretarsal accessories =1-22. Ultimate pedal segment and legs: Tergite yellowish, opaque, with about 20 scattered setae; without sutures or sulci; slightly longer than wide, posterior margin evenly bowed outward, the apex round and broad; side abruptly reflected upward on each side to form a flange with the contingent upper coxopleural margin. Coxopleuron yellow- ish-white, opaque; with a few stout setae; porigerous area without setae reaching anterior margin but separated from dorsal margin by a narrow strip, posteriorly sloping ventrally to posterior and ventral margins, pores small, numbering at least 100 on each side; ventro- lateral margin not reflected into a flange, not submarginally sulcate; each coxopleural spinous process very thin, almost ensiform, between }i and % as long as posterior margin is high, tipped with a black point and 2 delicate setae, its shaft ventrally with 2 stout setae; the ventral edges of the 2 coxopleura contiguous for nearly their entire lengths. Ultimate legs: Right (left abnormal), excluding pretarsus, 6.0 mm. long (i.e., prefemur+ trochanter =1.80 mm., femur=1.50 mm., tibia=1.27 mm., 1st tarsus=0.60 mm., 2d tarsus=0.83 mm.); yellow and opaque; trochanter nearly completely amalgamated with prefemur, the latter very slightly flattened dorsally, the remaining articles dorsally NEW AMERICAN CRYPTOPID GENUS — CRABILL c i ' j Figures 10-15 (unless otherwise stated, the following depict parts of Thalkethops grallatrix, holotype). — 10, Labrum, ventral aspect: a, coclypeus; b, slitlike opening; c, field of sensilla basiconica; d, translabral rugae; e, solid, pigmented underlying portion;/, hyaline, fimbriulate posterior border of labrum. 11, Second maxillae (all setae omitted). 12, Kethops euterpe Crablll, 10th leg, anterolateral surface (setae omitted). 13, Pres- ternum and left prehensor, ventral aspect (setae omitted): a, poison calyx; h, pleuropro- sternal suture. 14, Tenth leg, anterolateral surface, showing serial spurs and their formulae (setae omitted). 15, Ultimate right leg, inner surface (setae omitted), showing pigmented mucrones. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM Figure 16. — Thalkethops grallatrix, holotype: a, typical spine, the spinous process arming tiie coxopleuron of grallatrix; b, a straight mucro; c, a curved mucro; d, a lanceolate setae; e, f typical setae; g, a typical leg spur or calcar. rounded ; all articles fmely dorsally setose ; pref emur on each side with sparse stout lanceolate (see note 3, p. 13) setae, ventrally with a linear series of 7 short stout and pointed ankylosed mucrones (see note 3, p. 13) and a few scattered fine setae; femur ventrally with 12 ankylosed mucrones, its sides with lanceolate setae; tibia ventrally with a row of 1 1 mucrones, without lanceolate setae, subdensely with long fine setae ; first tarsus ventrally with one hooked firmly ankylosed (nearly spiniform) mucro; second tarsus proximoventrally excavate, without mucrones or lanceolate setae, with numerous long fine setae; pretarsus long, thin and curved, without accessory claws. Key to the Scolopendromorph Genera of America North of Mexico The key given below should facilitate the identification of all scolopendromorph genera and obligate higher categories presently known to be represented in America north of Mexico.^ In addition, I have included and identified by daggers (f) those few genera com- mon to adjacent regions to the south, chiefly Mexico, whose presence within our area may eventually be demonstrated. Following the « Since the preparation of this manuscript Professor Ohamberlln has written me of his discovery of a new Oalifornian Ethmostigmus; this is the first record of the genus In North America. At the time of this writing his description of the new species was not published. NEW AMERICAN CRYPTOPID GENUS CRABILL 9 key, the North American distribution of each genus is briefly sum- marized, and mention is made of the more important species. To the best of my knowledge, a similar treatment devoted to the genera represented in North America has not appeared in print since 1893, a span of years characterized by the steady accumulation of distribu- tional information as well as by significant revisionary activity, la. With four ocelli on each side of the cephalic plate . . Scolopendbidae (2) 16. Without ocelli, the ocellar positions either concolorous with the remainder of the cephalic plate or unpigmented and contrasting with the deeply- colored environs Cryptopidae (3) 2a. Spiracles operculate, i.e., each divided into an inner and an outer atrium by an internal and essentially tripartite valve . . . Scolopendrinab (5) 26. Spiracles not operculate, i.e., each spiracular atrium fully exposed, none with an internal valvular partition Otostiqminab (7) 3a. With 21 pairs of legs and pedal segments 4 36. With 23 pairs of legs and pedal segments .... Scolopocrtptopinae (8) 4a. Anterior margin of prosternum with a pair of elongate, coarsely toothed plates. Cephalic plate with prominent eyespots in the ocellar positions. Ultimate pedal segment conspicuously elongate; ultimate legs extremely heavy, robust Theatopinae, genus Theatops 46, Anterior margin of prosternum without such toothed plates. Cephalic plate without eyespots. Ultimate pedal segment of normal proportions. Ultimate legs only slightly heavier than penults . . . Cryptopinae (12) 5c. First or proximotarsi of the first 15 to 20 pairs of legs each with a promi- nent ventrodistal spur 6 56. No proximotarsus with a ventrodistal spur .... Genus Hemiscolopendra 6a. Ultimate pretarsus basally with two accessory claws . . Genus Scolopendra 66. Ultimate pretarsus without accessory claws .... Genus Arthrorhabdus 7a. Seventh pedal segment without a pair of spiracles . Genus Otostigmus t 76. Seventh pedal segment with a pair of spiracles. Trochanteroprefemur of prehensor with a prominent inner spinous process Genus Rhysida 7c. Seventh pedal segment with a pair of spiracles. Trochanteroprefemur of prehensor without an inner spinous process . . . Genus Ethomostigmus f 8a. Seventh pedal segment with a pair of spiracles (see note 2, p. 13) . Ultimate second tarsus either subdivided into many pseudosegments or un- divided ^ 86. Seventh pedal segment normally without a pair of spiracles. Ultimate second tarsus undivided 10 9a. First pedal tergite often with an omegoid sutural pattern, always with pos- terior paramedian sutures, complete or abortive. Ultimate second tarsus divided into pseudosegments Genus Newportia t 96. First pedal tergite never with an omegoid sutural pattern, normally without paramedian sutures or fragments thereof. Ultimate second Tarsus un- divided Genus Dinocryptops (formerly Scolopocryptops; see note 2, p. 13) lOo. Prosternal anterior margin with a pair of low dark, heavily sclerotized ridges. Trochanteroprefemur distally with a prominent inner spinous process Genus Scolopocryptops (formerly Otocryptops; see note 2, p. 13) 106. Prosternal anterior margin unadorned, without dark, well sclerotized ridges. Trochanteroprefemur without an inner distal spinous process .... 11 -59 2 10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM vol. in 11a. Legs 1-21 each without trace of tarsal division. Sternital cross-sulci usually apparent; submarginal sulci typically pronounced. Genus Kethops 116. Legs 1-21 each with a tarsal suture delineating a proximotarsus and a disto- tarsus. Sternital cross-sulci absent; submarginal sulci absent. Thalkelhops, new genus 12a. Each coxopleuron with a prominent ventroposterior spinous process. Genus Anethops 126. Each coxopleuron without such a process, its posterior border essentially straight Genus Cryptops Distribution of Genera SCOLOPENDRIDAE Scolopendra: There are apparently fewer than half a dozen species in North America; of them three are quite common, viz, viridis ^&y, in the Southeastern Atlantic, South-Central, and apparently in some Western States; polymorpha Wood, in the States west of Missouri; heros Girard, throughout most of the Southern States across the continent. In addition, a number of Tropical or Pantropical species are frequently intercepted at seaports; e.g., alternans Leach, subspinipes Leach, and morsitans Linne; none is known to be established within North America. In general, distribution of the genus in North America is different east and west of about long. 95° W., as follows: East of long. 95° W., from the gulf coast north into southern Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky {heros and viridis), up the Atlantic Coastal States from Florida as far north as southern Virginia {viridis) ; west of long. 95° W., throughout the Southwest {heros, polymorpha, and perhaps viridis) , up the Pacific Coastal States as far north as Washing- ton {polymorpha and heros extending evidently only into California and Utah), throughout all but the most northern Montane and Plains States {polymorpha and possibly heros). Both heros and polymorpha have been reported from Mexico, but whether the true viridis occurs there, in my opinion, remains to be settled. Arthrorhabdus: One species, pygmaeus (Pocock), has been recorded infrequently from New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. It undoubtedly also inhabits adjacent Mexico. Hemiscolopendra: Only punctiventris (Newport) [= Cormocephalus {H.) punctiventris (Newport) of authors] is believed to inhabit North America. Quite common east of the 95th meridian, viz, from just south of the Great Lakes to the gulf coast and Southeastern Atlantic States where it is extremely prevalent, on the Atlantic coastal plain northward into Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and New England; not known to occur west of about long. 95° W., in the United States. Otostigmus: This genus is common to all Tropical and most NEW AMERICAN CRYPTOPID GENUS — CRABILL 11 Subtropical lands inchiding America south of the United States. Its species can be expected at seaports, and probably one or more Mexican forms presently undetected have estabHshed themselves in our extreme Southwest. Rhysida: A common Neotropical genus, Rhysida is represented in the United States by at least one possibly established species, longipes (Newport), discovered recently in southern Florida (Chamberlin, 1958, p. 14). Others may eventually be found in the Southwest. The report of celeris (Humboldt and Saussure) in Georgia given by Kraepelin (1902, p. 150) and repeated by Attems (1930, p. 189) has not been corroborated by subsequent collections. My own suspicion is that the species is not established in inland Georgia at the present time. Cryptopidae Theatops: Four species are known to occur in North America : T- calif orniensis ChamberHn {?=erythrocephala (Koch)), California and Oregon; phana Chamberlin, Texas; spinicauda (Wood), Mexico and California in the West, in the East from northern Missouri and Illinois south to the Gulf States, north through the Carolinas, con- tinuing up the coastal plain probably as far as extreme southern Pennsylvania; and postica (Say), recorded sporadically from Utah and Arizona, in the East a very common and widespread centipede, viz, southern Illinois to Ohio, south to the Gulf States, and north to northern Virginia. In general, the western distribution of the genus is poorly known, but east of the Plains States postica and spinicauda have been reported from numerous localities, viz, very common in the Southeastern Atlantic States, both extending northward to south of the Great Lakes and well up the Atlantic coastal plain; not known to occur in New York and New England. Newportia: Abundantly represented in the American Tropics, this genus is as yet unrecorded from the United States; however, its presence in the Southwest near Mexico is a possibility. Dinocryptops (formerly Scolopocryptops, see Crabill, 1953, p. 96): D. m.iersii (Newport), a common Neotropical species, has been linked several times with areas in the United States, principally California and the Southeastern Atlantic States (Attems, 1930, p. 256, and Kraepelin, 1902, p. 78). Chamberlin (1911, p. 475), probably follow- ing Kraepelin, reported: "Doubtfully recorded from California. However it is widespread in the Southeastern States and through Mexico." Despite these reports I have yet to see a single North American specimen, so that everything considered, I am in- clined to doubt the presence of established populations in the South- eastern Atlantic States. At the same time it seems not unreasonable to anticipate finding, say, miersii in the Southwest near Mexico. 12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM vol. m Scolopocryptops (formerly Otocryptops, see Crabill, 1953, p. 96): Represented by at least five species, it is the most widespread scolo- pendromorph genus of North America; east of the Mississippi its mem- bers are among the most commonly-encountered centipedes. Indeed, in the East from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico, one can hardly overturn many logs and rocks without discovering specimens of the large orange or red-orange sexspinosa. Again, we do not know much about the genus in the Far West ; viz, gracilis Wood is common in California but has also been reported from Texas, while a presumed subspecies, g. peregrinator (Crabill) (1952, p. 124), is common in montane Virginia and has been taken in Maryland and Pennsylvania; munda Chamberlin, is known only from Kendrick, Idaho (possibly an intraspecific variant of gracilis) ; sexspinosa (Say) is the commonest eastern species, but west of the Rocky Mountains it is known from Alaska, Vancouver Island, all of the Pacific Coastal States and from Mexico. East of the Rocky Mountains recorded distributions are more complete: S. sexspinosa (Say), the dominant form, is known to range from the North Central States south to the Gulf of Mexico and east to the Atlantic coast, thence north to Massachusetts; rubigi- nosa L. Koch is conmaon in the midcontinent, from Kansas and Missouri east to Ohio, north through Minnesota and Wisconsin, and undoubtedly inhabits adjacent Canada as weU; nigridia McNeill is apparently entirely eastern, its known range extending from and in- cluding Alabama north into Indiana, east of the Appalachians where it is extremely common northward into eastern Pennsylvania. Kethops: Recorded from Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and adjacent Mexico. The geography of the genus is known almost entirely from the type localities of its four species. Thalkethops, new genus: Known only from Carlsbad Caverns in southeastern New Mexico. Anethops: Only the rare Calif ornian occidentalis Chamberlin has been described. Cryptops: A number of foreign species have been detected within North America; one of them, the European hortensis Leach, is defi- nitely known to be established in the Northeast and in Utah. It is undoubtedly more widespread than we now know. Of our half dozen or so species, hyalinu Say occurs widely, at least east of the Plains States. It appears to be common throughout the Midwestern, Southeastern Atlantic, and Northeastern Atlantic United States, its known range stopping just short of New England (in whose temperate coastal areas it and hortensis undoubtedly occur). There is some evidence that hyalina may be either polytypic or reducible to several species. In general one may postulate Cryptops to occur throughout all but the extreme northern United States. NEW AMERICAN CRYPTOPID GENUS — CRABILL 13 Supplementary Notes 1. Unfortunately, the ultimate legs of the British Guianan Kartops have never been described. "Cryptopiform," a new term, is used here to describe the recurrent type of ultimate leg seen in the genus Cryp- tops and characterized by the possession of an opposable second tarsus capable of being flexed against the first tarsus and lower tibia to form a clasping apparatus. 2. For a clarification of the correct allocation of Scolopocryptops (formerly Otocryptops) and Dinocryptops (formerly Scolopocryptops), the reader is referred to Crabill, 1953, p. 96. Careful examination discloses that members of the two genera are very similar save m one striking particular, the presence in Dinocryptops and the absence in Scolopocryptops of seventh pedal segment spiracles. Nonetheless, I beheve them to be more closely related to each other than either of them is to any other scolopocryptopine genus now known. The loss of spiracles among the scolopendromorph genera is like the loss of primary tarsal division among certain genera and species, or like the variation in the Lithobiomorpha in tergital production. All are changes that may proceed independently within quite different evolvmg fines. So it is that we encounter all states of tarsal change both within the Scolopendromorpha and Lithobiomorpha. For the same reason we find both spiracular conditions (seventh segment spiracles present or absent) in both great divisions of the Scolopendromorpha. As is weU known, considerable variability in this character is also seen in the lithobiomorphous Henicopidae. I believe, therefore, that these changes are taking place repeatedly in parallel fashion in- dependently within different phyletic lines. I am less certain of thek direction, though the evidence suggests that the trend is toward spiracular loss, tarsal consolidation (the bipartite tarsus becoming undivided), and in the Lithobiomorpha toward the secondary loss of tergital corners — these changes appearing concomitantly with pro- gressive body contraction and consolidation. 3. To insure our understanding one another, I feel that it is most desirable to establish a uniform terminology for the setae, spines, spurs, and other armature of the centipede leg and body sclerite. For instance, the word spine as it is currently used in the hterature often refers to a variety of structures among which it is obviously desirable to distinguish. Equally if not more confusing is the ruck of German terms that one must depend upon in the great monographs — Sporne, Hocker, Spinen, Zapfen, Borsten, Sagezahne, and Dornen— all of which when unqualified or when used differently upon different oc- casions lead to much misunderstanding and confusion. The termi- nology that I have adopted and used consistently for some years is based upon the definitions of Professor Comstock (1940, p. 32) and 14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM vol. ui of the eminent insect morphologist Dr. R. E. Snodgrass (1935, ch. 3), and may be summarized as follows: A spur or calcar is a movable multicellular outgrowth connected by a joint to the exoskeleton. A seta is a movable unicellular outgrowth connected to the exo- skeleton by a joint. In contrast a spine is an immovable multi- cellular outgrowth of the exoskeleton but not connected to it by a joint (i.e., not arising from a socket or alveolus). In figiu-e 16a, we see a typical spine — the coxopleural spinous process of T. grallatrix— multicellular and immovably attached to the exoskeleton. In figiu-e 16, d-g are all movably attached and are fundamentally setiform structiu-es; d-g are setae of various sorts, e and/ being typical setae and d being a modified seta here for the sake of convenience termed a lanceolate seta; b and c though immovably attached to the exo- skeleton and though apparently spinous are in reality spurs or setal derivatives as is shown by their vestigial alveoli. Thus, 6 and c are secondarily ankylosed setae, to v/hich for convenience and clarity I have applied the new term "mucro" (pi. "mucrones") ; ^ is a spur or calcar such as is typical of distal pedal positions. 4. Carlsbad Caverns, the subject of an interesting book on its fauna by Vernon Bailey in 1928, are situated in the desert of the Pecos River Valley of southeastern New Mexico and is maintained by the National Park Service. I should like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Chief Ranger Tom Ela and Ranger DLxon Freeland, the collectors, and to Dr. Thomas C. Barr of Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, who transmitted the specimen to me for examination. 5. The mandibular differences distinguishing the geophilomorph families or family-groups have been well known and used for over half a century, but the application of mandibular criteria in other orders, particularly in Scolopendromorpha, has been generally slighted except perhaps by the late Karl W. Verhoeff , the fii-st person to study the mandible with any precision and from the standpoint of com- parative morphology (see Verhoeff, 1918, pp. 467-532). Verhoeff extended study beyond the examination of the masticatory surface and thereby prepared the way for future investigations, which I believe may reveal the scolopendromorph mandible to possess adjuvant higher categorical characters heretofore unsuspected. Verhoeff's designa- tion in German of previously unnamed and obscure mandibular parts has perhaps compromised the adoption or even the study of his work. Obscure parts without ready interlinguistic cognates should, I feel, be expressed in an international idiom, preferably in classical terms or at least in approximate classical derivatives. While terms like head, Zahne, back, foot, bouche, yeux, etc., are readily understood and translatable by anyone, the correct, consistent application of, e.g., NEW AMERICAN CRYPTOPID GENUS — CRABILL 15 Polster, Dreieck, and Zapfenstiick, are not. The following new terms are intended to replace their original German counterparts, which are given in parentheses, the new terms being for the most part closely synonymous ; since teeth and sickle bristles are self-explanatory in whatever language they are rendered, they are given below in English and German: a^pulvUlus (Polster); b = teeth (Beisszahne) ; c=siclde bristles (Sickelborsten) ; d=lamina dentifera (Zahnstiick) ; e=lamina triangularis (Dreieck); f==manubrium (Schaft) ; g=lamina manubrii (Schaftplatte) ; h=^lamina condylifera (Zapfenstiick); i=condylus or condyle (Drehzapf en) . 6. Heretofore by "chitin-lines" authors have referred to ventral thin pigmented sutures or ridges, one passing anteriorly toward the condyle on each side of the prosternura, but here I refer to a new char- acter dependent upon their dorsal homologues. The suture ectal to each chitin-line is usually called the coxoplem-al suture, a confusing designation since the coxopleuron is at the rear of the body. To avoid ambiguity and confusion, I propose a surrogate expression — pleuro- prosternal suture. References Attems, Carl Graf von 1930. Scolopendromorpha. Das Tierreich, Lief. 54, pp. 1-308. Bailey, Vernon. 1928. Animal life of the Carlsbad Cavern. Monogr. Amer. See. Mammolo- gists, No. 3, pp. 1-195. Chamberlin, Ralph V. 1911. The Chilopoda of California II. Pomona Coll. Journ. Ent., vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 470-479. 1958. Some records of Chilopoda from Florida, Ent. News, vol. 69, No. 1, pp. 13-14. CoMSTOCK, John H. 1940. An introduction to entomology, ed. 9. Crabill, Ralph E., Jr. 1952. A new subspecies of Otocryptops gracilis (Wood) from the Eastern United States, together with remarks on the status of Otocryptops nigridius (McNeill) and a key to the species of the genus now known to occur east of the Rocky Mountains. Ent. News, vol. 63, No. 5, pp. 123-129. 1953. Concerning a new genus Dinocryptops and the nomenclatorial status of Otocryptops and Scolopocryptops. Ent. News, vol. 64, No. 4, p. 96. 1955. On the reappearance of a possible ancestral characteristic in a modern chilopod. Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soc, vol. 50, No. 5, pp. 133-136. Kraepelin, Karl. 1902. Revision der Scolopendriden. Mitt. Naturh. Mus. Hamburg, vol. 20, pp. 1-276. Snodgrass, Robert E. 1935. Principles of insect morphology, ed. 1. Verhoeff, Karl W. 1918. Section from "Chilopoda," in Bronns, Die Klassen und Ordnungen des Thier-Reichs, Band 5, Abt. II, Lief. 92-99, pp. 467-532. U. S. SOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1959