Pseudonannolene lundi n. sp., a new troglobitic millipede from a Brazilian limestone cave (Spirostreptida: Pseudonannolenidae)

Abstract

Pseudonannolene lundi n. sp., is described from Lapa Sem Fim Cave, a limestone cave from Luislândia municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The species is the eighth troglobitic millipede and the third of the genus Pseudonannolene described from Brazilian caves. Pseudonannolene lundi shows pronounced depigmentation and decrease of body size, as found in other troglobitic species belonging to the genus. The gonopod has a robust and evident internal branch, and a solenomere slightly trianguliform.

Beyond Expectations: Recent Discovery of New Cave-Restricted Species Elevates the Água Clara Cave System to the Richest Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity in the Neotropics

“…Both the siphonophorid and the trichopolydesmid millipedes were completely unpigmented. They also showed an increase in sensory pits on the antennal segments and an unusually long tergal setae, considered troglomorphic traits in other millipede taxa [23][24][25]. The delphacid planthopper exhibited all the typical troglomorphic traits observed in other cave-restricted planthoppers, including the absence of eyes, pigment reduction, and wings reduction [26][27][28][29][30].…”

Epigean and hypogean drivers of Neotropical subterranean communities

“…The determination of troglomorphic species was made based on criteria in the literature specific to each taxonomic group and expert assessment (Baptista & Giupponi, 2003; Brescovit et al., 2012; Iniesta & Ferreira, 2015; Pinto‐da‐Rocha, 1996; Prevorcnik et al., 2012; Ratton et al., 2012; Souza & Ferreira, 2010). Examples of some troglomorphisms commonly observed in species of distinct taxonomic groups are the reduction or absence of eyes, elongation of locomotor and sensory appendages, reduction or loss of pigmentation, increasing of body size and the number of trichobothria (Barr, 1968; Christiansen, 1962; Novak et al., 2012; Trajano & Bichuette, 2010).…”

“…Sampling was conducted by direct intuitive searches (DIS) using tweezers, brushes, suckers and hand nets for catches (Wynne et al, 2019). A standard effort averaging 1 min per square meter of floor was applied, as the floor microhabitats require more effort than the walls and the ceiling is The determination of troglomorphic species was made based on criteria in the literature specific to each taxonomic group and expert assessment (Baptista & Giupponi, 2003;Brescovit et al, 2012;Iniesta & Ferreira, 2015;Pinto-da-Rocha, 1996;Prevorcnik et al, 2012;Ratton et al, 2012;Souza & Ferreira, 2010).…”

Pseudonannolene canastra sp. nov. (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida) – a new troglobitic millipede from the southwestern state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…The troglobitic species described were found in very moist microhabitats in the caves, associated with drainage or speleothems and, bat guano and vegetable debris as food resources (e.g. Iniesta and Ferreira 2015). Because of these conditions, we carried out a preliminary evaluation concerning the status of conservation of this species following the IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature) classification.…”

“…In Brazil, the known troglobitic species include P. spelaea Iniesta & Ferreira, 2013, from Pará state, P. ambuatinga Ferreira, 2014, andP. lundi Iniesta &Ferreira, 2015; these last recorded in the Minas Gerais state. For these species, the troglomorphisms, i.e., modifications in morphological characteristics associated with subterranean isolation (Christiansen 1962), include reduction in body pigmentation, variation in number of ommatidia, body size, and antennae elongation (Iniesta and Ferreira 2015).…”