Plutoniumidae
Genus Guides
1Plutoniumidae is a of in the order Scolopendromorpha. Members are blind and possess 21 pairs of legs. The family contains two : Plutonium (southern Europe) and Theatops (North America and, recently discovered, China). Theatops chuanensis represents the first Asian record of the family, extending its known distribution beyond western Palearctic and Nearctic regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Plutoniumidae: //pluːˌtoʊ.niˈʊm.ɪˌdae//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Scolopendromorpha by combination of: 21 leg pairs, complete absence of , and specific distributions. Theatops can be separated from Plutonium by spiracle patterns on segment 7 and spine configuration on ultimate legs. An updated key to and is available in taxonomic literature.
Images
Appearance
Medium to large with 21 pairs of legs. absent. Ultimate legs ( pair) lack prefemoral and femoral spines in some . distribution varies: Theatops chuanensis uniquely possesses spiracles on segment 7 within its , though the taxonomic stability of this character has been questioned.
Distribution
Disjunct distribution: Plutonium in southern Europe; Theatops in North America and China (Sichuan Province, first Asian record documented 2010).
Similar Taxa
- Other Scolopendromorpha familiesMost scolopendromorph have or different leg pair counts; Plutoniumidae is distinguished by blindness plus 21 leg pairs combined with specific distributions.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The 's diagnostic reliance on distributions has been challenged; segment 7 spiracles may not be as stable a character as previously assumed for distinguishing within Scolopendromorpha.
Research significance
The 2010 discovery of Theatops in China resolved a long-standing biogeographic puzzle, as Plutoniumidae was previously considered restricted to western Palearctic and Nearctic regions.