CLASSIFICATION OF THE MYRIAPODA. 

 BY CHARLES H. BOIXMAN. 



In this paper I have given keys for the determination of all groups 

 above species. When a genus has been so inaccurately described that 

 it could not be introduced into the key without affecting the natural 

 order of genera, I have placed it. with its short diagnosis, as a foot- 

 note. 



( )n account of the great difference between the two principal orders 

 of the old group of Myriapoda, as has been recently shown by Pocock, 

 Kingsley, and several continental writers, I have regarded the old 

 group as forming two distinct divisions: One. the Syngnatha, as being 

 more closely related to the Hexapoda, and should be united with it to- 

 from one class;* the other, the JDiplopoda and Pauropoda t ^is form- 

 ing another class, to which I have restricted the name of Myriapoda. 

 I have regarded the Julidee and their allies as being the oldest group 

 on account of the following facts: 



(1) That they are the only group of which we have any geological 

 evidence. 



(2) That they have more segments than other groups, thus showing 

 less specialization (the 3-footed condition of the young is due to the 

 amount of food-yolk and not to auy ancestral form.) 



(3) That they have simple tracheae. 



The Myriapoda may be divided into the following subclasses: 



a. Antennae simple, not ramose, 5-8 jointed; some or nearly all of the segments with 

 two pairs of legs; pairs of legs 13 or more Diplopoda. — A. 



aa. Antenna} ramose, bearing 3 long, jointed appendages; none of the segments with 

 2 pairs of legs ; pairs of legs, 9 Monopoda. i — B. 



Subclass A.— DIPLOPODA. 

 This subclass contains the following two superorders: 



a. Anus situated in ultimate segment; maxilla' forming a plate; body not orna- 

 mented with fascicular of hairs; copulatory feet present Chilognatha. — I. 



aa. Anus situated in tlie penultimate segment; maxillae subpediform, not forming a 

 plate; body ornamented with fascicular of hairs; copulatory feet absent. 



PODOCHIL4..§ — II. 



* For this class I propose the name Etymochila (eru/iog, true; ,yiAof, Up), on account 

 of the fact that it is the only group of Arthropoda which has a true labium. The 

 Syngnatha and Hexapoda are considered as subclasses. 



1 1 have considered the Pauropoda as being more closely allied to the Diplopoda on 

 account of the anterior position of the genital opening, the form and position of the 

 copulatory appendix at base ot second pair of lens as in the Polyxenidce, and the 

 general make-up of the body. 



t Monopoda. — I propose this new subclass for the reception of the Pauropoda. 



§ Podochila. — I propose this new superorder for the reception of the Polyxenidce. 

 Pocock ranked this family as a subclass, but I think its relations to the Chilognatha 

 are too close to admit of so high a rank. 



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