The scolopendromorph centipedes of Mauritius and Rodrigues and their adjacent islets (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha)

Abstract

The results of a survey of the scolopendromorph centipedes of Mauritius and Rodrigues and their offshore islets for surviving endemic species are reported. This fauna was poorly known, only five species having been reported from the islands. Collections were made from Mauritius and Gunner's Quoin, Round Island, with its remnant of palm savanna, Serpent Island and Île aux Aigrettes which contains the last remnant of coastal forest. Collections were also made on Rodrigues and two small coral sand islets — Île aux Sables and Île Cocos. Eight species were recorded from Mauritius. Rhysida longipes longipes (Newport, 1845), a widespread tropical species and Cryptops decoratus Lawrence, 1960, hitherto known from Madagascar, are new records and two new endemic species are described: Rhysida jonesi, from Round Island and Cryptops daszaki, found only on Île aux Aigrettes. This brings the number of endemics to four. Further material of the upland forest endemic Cryptops mauritianus Verhoeff, 1939 was obtained and the species redescribed. The characteristics of Otostigmus rugulosus Porat, 1876, a widespread species first described from Mauritius, are discussed. Four species were found on Rodrigues of which Otostigmus rugulosus and Cryptops niloticus Lewis, 1967 are new records. Both are widespread species. No endemics were found, probably reflecting the denuded state of the vegetation. A key is provided for the identification of the 10 species from the islands. The differences between the Cryptops species are discussed as is the distribution of scolopendromorphs on the islands. Coverage of the islands is still poor and further collection is desirable.

Keywords:

• Taxonomy
• Centipedes
• Chilopoda
• Scolopendromorpha
• Mauritius
• Rodrigues
• Round Island