The Centipede Genus Scolopendra in Mainland Southeast Asia: Molecular Phylogenetics, Geometric Morphometrics and External Morphology as Tools for Species Delimitation

摘要: Seven Scolopendra species from the Southeast Asian mainland delimited based on standard external morphological characters represent monophyletic groups in phylogenetic trees inferred concatenated sequences of three gene fragments (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, 16S rRNA and 28S rRNA) using Maximum likelihood Bayesian inference. Geometric morphometric description shape variation cephalic plate, forcipular coxosternite, tergite ultimate leg-bearing segment provides additional criteria for distinguishing species. Colouration patterns some show a high degree fit to at population level. The most densely sampled species, dehaani Brandt, 1840, has subclades with allopatric distributions SE Asia. molecular phylogeny S. pinguis Pocock, 1891, indicated ontogenetic colour among its populations. taxonomic validation dawydoffi Kronmuller, 2012, japonica Koch, 1878, each former subspecies subspinipes Leach, 1814 sensu Lewis, 2010, as full was supported by information data. Species delimitation these taxonomically challenging animals is facilitated an integrative approach that draws both morphology phylogeny.