Matskási István (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 79. (Budapest 1987)

Steinmann, H.: A new reclassification of the family Chelisochidae (Dermaptera)

ANNALES HISTORICO-NATURALES MUSEI NATIONALIS HUNGARICI Tomus79. Budapest, 1987 p. 113-118. A new reclassification of the family Chelisochidae (Dermaptera) by H. STEINMANN, Budapest H. STEINMANN : A new reclassification of the family Chelisochidae (Dermaptera). •— Annls hist.-nat. Mus. natn. hung. 1987 79: 113-118. Abstract — A subfamiliar and generic classification Chelisochidae, based on a consistent grouping of the characters of male genitalia are given in keys suitable for identifying world genera and subfamilies. A very distinct and characteristic group of the Dermaptera. Generally dark and often black earwigs. A common and very characteristic feature is the peculiarly developed middle tarsomere (tarsomeron mediale), bearing an obtuse process, clearly extending and accumbent below the ventral surface of the last tarsal joint, quite indiscernible from above. In a lateral view, it is also very distinct, longer, and occasionally multiply longer than the joint itself. The most highly developed group of the forficuloid-type Eudermaptera. Body more slender, legs longer, wings well developed or absent. The majority of the species has a cylindrical and only slightly flattened body. A common character is the male paramere possessing on the apical surface one genital (or distal) lobe with included virga in most species. Base of virga either with a basal vesicle or without one. 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 Lahiidae and Forficulidae but the revision of the 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, with 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, then it implies that the Chelisochidae became separate from the main forficuloid stock at an early stage, possibly soon after the development of the reniform vesicle at the base of the virga. IDENTIFICATION KEY TO THE SUBFAMILIES 1 (2) Entirely apterous. Male genitalia undeveloped, not of Chelisochid-type; genital lobes present or absent, but distal lobe without virga. Only one Indian species Genitalatinae subfam. n. 2 (1) Tegmina and wings present; tegmina short, wings abortive, or tegmina and wings normally developed. Male genitalia well developed, genital lobe prominent. 3 (4) Lateral margins of tegmina with a ridge-like keel, occasionally not extending along entire segment. Antero-lateral angles of pronotum more or less elongate. Forceps robust, mostly thickened, inner margins dentate. Oriental species Chelisochellinae STEINMANN, 1975 4 (3) Lateral margins of tegmina without a ridge-like keel. Body of extremely varying shape and with considerable sexual dimorphism, even a number of species displaying a certain range of individual (or subspecific?) variation. Tibia smooth or striated, nearly reaching end of abdomen, or shorter and extending only to half its length. Forceps highly varying; short and simple, or elongate, serrately dentate on their inner S Term. Tud. Múz. Évk. 1987.