Scoterpes
Cope, 1872
Species Guides
1Scoterpes is a of troglobiotic millipedes in the Trichopetalidae, order Chordeumatida. Established by Cope in 1872, the genus comprises exclusively cave-dwelling found in North America. The genus was revised in 2010, with fifteen recognized species including eight newly described . At least two species, S. copei and S. ventus, likely represent superspecies complexes consisting of multiple genetically isolated .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scoterpes: //skoʊˈtɜːrpiːz//
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Identification
Scoterpes are distinguished from related Trichopetalum and Zygonopus by troglobiotic adaptations including reduced pigmentation and structure. The genus is placed in tribe Scoterpetini based on . Specific diagnostic characters include details of male gonopod structure, though these require examination of for definitive species identification.
Habitat
Strictly troglobiotic; all are obligate cave-dwellers. Inhabits cave systems in North America, with records from karst regions including southern Indiana (Blue River basin for S. sollmani).
Distribution
Cave systems in North America. Specific localities include southern Indiana; broader distribution mapped in the 2010 revision but precise range boundaries not fully characterized.
Similar Taxa
- TrichopetalumBoth belong to Trichopetalidae and share general body plan; Scoterpes distinguished by obligate troglobiosis versus surface-dwelling or troglophilic habits in Trichopetalum
- ZygonopusBoth are troglobiotic trichopetalid ; Scoterpes distinguished by and tribal placement in Scoterpetini
More Details
Species composition
Fifteen : S. copei (Packard, 1881), S. austrinus Loomis, 1943, S. nudus Chamberlin, 1946, S. ventus Shear, 1972, S. syntheticus (Shear, 1972), S. sollmani Lewis, 2000, and eight new species described in 2010: S. alabama, S. hesperus, S. jackdanieli, S. musicarustica, S. stewartpecki, S. tombarri, S. tricorner, S. willreevesi
Superspecies complexes
S. copei and S. ventus likely represent superspecies with numerous genetically isolated awaiting molecular or morphometric study