Tasmanipatus barretti gen. nov., sp. nov. and T. anophthalmus sp. nov.: two new and unusual onychophorans (Onychophora: Peripatopsidae)from northeastern Tasmania

Abstract

Tasmanipatusgen. nov., Peripatopsidae Bouvier 1907, is characterised by eighteen dorsalplical folds on each body segment, in combinationwith a unique distribution of male crural papillae and a lack of pigmentation over all or most ofrhe ventral budy surface. The type speciesT. barrettisp. nov. is unique in relation to its combination of I arge size, uniform, patternless colouration, and well-developed crural papillaein both sexes. Tasmanipatus sp. nov. is unusual in lacking eyes and body pigmentation. The two species occur parapatricallyin a small area in northeastern Tasmania. Their diagnostic features are described here.