Asian cave-adapted diplurans, with the description of two new genera and four new species (Arthropoda, Hexapoda, Entognatha)

Abstract

Twenty-nine specimens of Diplura collected from eight caves in China and Myanmar contain two new genera, Hubeicampa Sendra & Lips gen. nov. and Mueggejapyx Sendra & Komerički gen. nov., as well as four new species, Anisuracampa ywangana Sendra & Komerički sp. nov., Hubeicampa melissa Sendra & Lips gen. et sp. nov., Pacificampa wudonghuii Sendra sp. nov. and Mueggejapyx brehieri Sendra & Komerički gen. et sp. nov. These cave-adapted taxa showcase an impressive diversity in morphological adaptation (troglomorphy) to cave ecosystems. Their sensorial equipment, setae and receptors in the cupuliform organ have unique forms (H. melissa gen. et sp. nov.), as well as the pretarsus sticky surface (A. ywangana sp. nov. and H. melissa gen. et sp. nov.). Recent contributions on Asian diplurans, together with the taxonomic novelties shown in the present study, highlight the biogeographical importance of the Asian biodiversity. Asia is revealed as a continent with vast karst regions still waiting to be explored and new dipluran species waiting to be discovered.