On the geographical distribution of Lithobius variegatus Leach, 1814, and the identity of Lithobius rubriceps Newport, 1845 (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha)

Abstract

Lithobius variegatus Leach, 1814, until recently regarded as a species endemic in the British Isles, is shown to occur in Brittany, the Iberian Peninsula and the western Mediterranean region, and to be conspecific with Lithobius rubriceps Newport, 1845, which should be regarded as a subspecies, L. variegatus rubriceps. The geographical distribution of the two subspecies is given and the origin of the British-Lusitanian fauna is discussed.