Revision of the genus Ctenolepisma Escherich (Thysanura : Lepismatidae) in Southern Africa

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of the southern African species of the genus Ctenolepisma gscherich (Thysanura: Lepismatidae) is provided. The 19 described species are treated and 16 are retained after one species is transferred to another genus and two others become new synonyms. Six species are redescribed and 17 newly described. Measurements, material examined, distribution and habitat are treated for each species. Methods used during the study, the different characters used in description, and each of the latter's phylogenetic significance, are also treated. In conclusion, a new sub generic system for the genus is proposed