Kaszab Zoltán (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 75. (Budapest 1983)

Steinmann, H.: A study of the higher taxa of the Chelisochidae (Dermaptera)

ANNALES HISTORICO-NATURALES MUSEI NATIONALTS HUNGARICI Tomus 75. Budapest, 1983 p. 139-144. A study of the higher taxa of the Chelisochidae (Dermaptera) by H. STEINMANN, Budapest Abstract — The subfamiliar and generic classification, by a standard grouping of the characteristics of external morphology and the genital apparatus, of the family Chelisochidae Burr, 1907. and an identification key suitable for elaborating world material are given. With 6 figures. A very distinct and characteristic group of the Dermaptera. Generally dark and often black insects. A common and very characteristic feature is the peculiar development of the tarsomeron mediale, bearing a peg-shaped, obtuse process, extending visibly and strikingly under the ventral surface of the metatarsus and there accumbent below the last joint, indiscernible from above. In a lateral view, it is also very distinct, longer, and occasionally multiply longer, than its joint. The most highly developed group of the forficuloid-type Eudermaptera. Body more slender, legs longer, wings well developed or absent. The majority of species with a cylindrical and only slightly flattened body. A common character is the male paramere, possessing on the apical surface one genital lobe with included virga in most species. Base of virga with a basal vesiculum present or absent. The systematic position of the Chelisochidae presents a number of problems. The original classification of the earwigs by VERHOEFF (1902), and ZACHER (1911) placed it near the Labiidae and Forficulidae but the revision of general systematics of the order by POPHAM (1965) and STEINMANN (1975) placed the Chelisochidae as a separate family in the Eudermaptera showing parallel trends of evolution towards the possession of the single penis lobe, to those of the Forficulidae. The Chelisochidae resemble the Allostethinae (family Labiduridae) in having acuminate external parameres in the male genitalia. If this feature is a primitive one, it implies that the Chelisochidae separated from the main forficuloid stock at an early stage, possibly soon after a reniform vesicle had been evolved at the base of the virga. IDENTIFICATION KEY TO THE SUBFAMILIES AND GENERA 1 (4) Lateral margins of tegmina with a ridge-like keel, occasionally not extending along entire segment. Antero-Iateral angles of pronotum more or less elongate. Forceps robust, mostly thickened, inner margins dentate. Oriental species. — Type-genus: Chelisochella VERHOEFF, 1902 Chelisochellinae STEINMANN, 1975 2 (3) Body length usually over 12 mm. Tegmina dilated, broad and ample. Antennái joints 4 and 5 equally long, together longer than third. Head tumid, postfrontal and coronal sutures deep, well marked. Tegmina powerful, wings long and prominent. — Type-species: Lobophora superba DOHRN, 1865. (Malay Archipelago, India, Borneo, Sumatra, New Caledonia, Burma) Chelisochella VERHOEFF, 1902 3 (2) Body length not more than 12 mm. Tegmina square, truncate. Antennae with third joint relatively short; fourth cylindrical, a little shorter; fifth about equal to third. Head smooth, postfrontal and coronal sutures feeble. Tegmina, short, truncate; wings abortive. — Type-species: Chelisochespunctulata BURR, 1897. Species: mounseyi BURR, 1916 (Philippines: Mindanao), punctulata (BURR, 1897) (Celebes) Kinesis BURR, 1907