On the taxonomic status of Thindyla Chamberlin, 1955, a genus of Peruvian centipeds with remarkable sternal modification (Geophilomorpha: Schendylidae)

Abstract

Thindyla, a monotypic genus based upon T. pacifiaJ Chamberlin, 1955, from the coast of Peru, is removed from synonymy under the polyphyletic genus Pectiniunguis on the basis of a deep, large, cylindrical cavity in the sterna of several anterior body segments, not approximated in any other known geophilomorph. Synonymy of pacifiaJ with litoralis Kraus, 1954, is confirmed, and the species redescribed and figured in detail from type material of both names. Problems associated with the definition of genera in the Schendylidae are discussed; it is recommended that recourse to simple "present" vs. "absent" character states be minimized or discontinued, and that single "loss" characters not be the basis for generic diagnosis.