Rediscovery of a forgotten endemic: Lithobius demavendicus Matic, 1969 from Iran (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha: Lithobiidae)

Abstract

The Iranian endemic species Lithobius demavendicus Matic, 1969 is rediscovered and redescribed based on newly collected specimens. Previously, the species was known only from an incomplete, most probably subadult male lacking the ultimate pair of legs, collected at high altitudes on Mount Damavand, a well-known inactive volcanic mountain in northern Iran. The new records confirm its occurrence on this mountain and at lower altitudes, and also indicate a troglophilic tendency for the species, as evidenced by its relatively frequent presence in caves in the northeastern part of the country. The first complete description of females and adult males is provided, together with an account of changes in morphological characters during postembryonic development. A brief comparison with morphologically similar species was conducted, and the taxonomic status of L. demavendicus is discussed.