Empodium

Abstract: Eyes present. Chelicerae small with an inconspicuous subapical dorsal tooth. Pseudochelicerae present. Palpi angulate, the claw terminating in seven or more prongs. All tarsi with only two claws (the claw-like empodium lacking). Coxa III with an irregular row of five to seven setae. Scutum with three pairs of setae similar in form: anteromedians, anterolaterals, and posterolaterals; no anterior median process or crista; sensillae flagelliform. A definite tonstriction is present just posterior to coxae III, seen best in situ and most pronounced in well engorged specimens. Genotype: Chatia setosa, new species.

Abstract: The leaf and corm morphology and anatomy of representatives of the genera Spiloxene , Pauridia and Empodium were studied. The corms are annual and tunicated, except in the group Aquaticae of Spiloxene . They are swollen stems consisting of a number of internodes. In Spiloxene and Pauridia the roots grow from the base of the corm, while in Empodium they develop from the sides. The epidermis of the older corms is replaced by several layers of thin-walled cork. Characters of the corm coverings are used to divide Spiloxene into six groups. Four leaf forms are recognised namely carinate, terete, canaliculate and plicate. Multicellular processes and unicellular hairs occur occasionally. The leaf stomata are paracytic. Most species have mucilage canals containing pectic compounds of mucopoly­saccharides. The vascular bundles have complete or incomplete bundle sheaths and larger bundles have sclerenchyma caps.

Abstract: A new genus and species, Gymnostigmaeus akaminei Ehara & Ueckermann, is described and illustrated from specimens collected on the lawngrass Zoysia tenuifolia (Poaceae) on Okinawa Island, Japan. This genus is distinct from any other known genera of the family Stigmaeidae in lacking shields and platelets on the idiosomal dorsum and venter. It is also characterized by an empodium that arises from the tip of a swollen arolium anterior to the claw bases.

Abstract: A new species of myrmecophilous Atelurinae silverfish, which is considered to represent a new genus, is described from Peninsular Malaysia where it was collected in emigration columns of the predacious army-ant Leptogenys distinguenda (Formicidae: Ponerinae). The new genus is compared with those silverfish species whose praetarsus is devoid of empodium as well as with all the seventeen Atelurinae known from the Oriental Region. All previously described Atelurinae from Malaysia are known as strictly termitophilous and share the existence of complete praetarsus (2 claws plus one smaller unguiform empodium). (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)