Revolving SEM images visualising 3D taxonomic characters: application to six species of the millipede genus Ommatoiulus Latzel, 1884, with description of seven new species and an interactive key to the Tunisian members of the genus (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae)

By

Akkari, Nesrine
Cheung, David Koon-Bong.
Enghoff, Henrik
Stoev, Pavel

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2013

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

328

Pages

5-45

Subjects

Diplopoda , interactive key , interactive SEM images , Millipedes , new species , North Africa , Ommatoiulus , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.328.5763

 

Abstract

A novel illustration technique based on scanning electron microscopy is used for the first time to enhance taxonomic descriptions. The male genitalia (gonopods) of six species of millipedes are used for construction of interactive imaging models. Each model is a compilation of a number of SEM images taken consecutively while rotating the SEM stage 360°, which allows the structure in question to be seen from all angles of view in one plane. Seven new species of the genus Ommatoiulus collected in Tunisia are described: O.chambiensis, O. crassinigripes, O. kefi, O. khroumiriensis, O. xerophilus, O. xenos, and O. zaghouani spp. n. Size differences between syntopic adult males of O. chambiensis and O. xerophilus spp. n. from Châambi Mountain are illustrated using scatter diagrams. A similar diagram is used to illustrate size differences in O. crassinigripes, O. khroumiriensis spp. n. and O. punicus (Brölemann, 1894). In addition to morphological differences, the latter three species display allopatric distribution and different habitat preferences. A dichotomous interactive key with a high visual impact and an intuitive user interface is presented to serve identification of the 12 Ommatoiulus species so far known from Tunisia. Updates on the North African Ommatoiulus fauna in general are presented.