A Survey of the Brazilian Dicranocentrus Schött (Collembola, Orchesellidae, Heteromurini) with the Description of a New Species and Notes on the Genus

Abstract

Dicranocentrus Schött is the most diverse and widespread taxon of Neotropical Orchesellidae. In Brazil, the genus is represented by 11 species found in humid forested areas of Atlantic and Amazon forests domains. Here we describe in detail Dicranocentrus abestado sp. nov. from Chapada Diamantina, Caatinga domain, Brazil. The new species belongs to the marias group sensu Mari-Mutt, due to the absence of most posterior macrochaetae on the dorsal head, and resembles other Neotropical species with 3, 2 and 2 central macrochaetae on abdominal segments I–III. However, the new species is unique especially by its reduced colour pattern combined with its empodial complex morphology. We compare Dicranocentrus abestado sp. nov. with 27 other taxa from the New and Old World, including all species with 3 macrochaetae on the first abdominal segment; provide notes and details on the morphology of the compared species plus identification keys to Brazilian and all species of the genus with similar abdominal chaetotaxy. We also discuss the current taxonomical knowledge on Brazilian Dicranocentrus and provide notes on its chaetotaxy and Heteromurinae systematics.