Lewis J.G.E. 2004. On the identity of the various taxa that have been assigned to Otostigmus (O.) politus Karsch, 1881 and forms related thereto (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha) // Arthropoda Selecta. Vol.12 (for 2003). No.3–4: 193–206 [in English].

Somerset County Museum, Taunton Castle, Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AA, UK.

ABSTRACT: Examination of type material has been carried out to resolve the confusion over the identity of various populations assigned to Otostigmus politus Karsch, 1881. Otostigmus frigidus frigidus Verhoeff, 1942 and O. f. takakuwai Verhoeff, 1942 are confirmed as junior synonyms of O. politus. Otostigmus politus occurs in China, Korea and Vietnam, and O. p. yunnanensis subsp.n. in southeastern China. Otostigmus angusticeps Pocock, 1898 is known from the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and Indonesia and O. angusticeps schindleri Würmli, 1972, comb.n. ex O. politus, from Indonesia. Otostigmus australianus Attems, 1930, stat.n., is recorded from Queensland, Australia. The status of the closely related and sympatric Otostigmus ateles Chamberlin,1920 remains problematical.

KEY WORDS: Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha, taxonomy, Otostigmus politus.

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