Toward a revision of the genus Chelidura Latreille, 1825: designation of the Neotype for Chelidura aptera (Megerle in Charpentier, 1825) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)

Since it is not possible, after several years of research, to locate the type material of Chelidura aptera (Megerle in Charpentier, 1825), type species of the genus Chelidura latreille, 1825, and not being able to define in any way, even vaguely, the terra typica, it was decided to fix a neotype. This neotype is here selected on the basis of its matching with the original description and with the support of molecular data. Three Alpine populations, two Italian and one Swiss, of what is actually considered C. aptera were sampled and sequenced; COI sequences were then compared with Chelidura pyrenaica arverna David & Van Herrewege, 1973 from the Massif Central in France, and other species of the genera Chelidurella, Mesochelidura and Forficula. The separation between C. aptera and C. pyrenaica is strongly supported by DNA barcodes and substantial differences among the three Alpine populations have been detected. The genetically intermediate among the Alpine populations (Italy, Piedmont (Biella), Pennine Alps, lago del Mucrone) is chosen as neotype of Chelidura aptera, furthermore largely matching the original description. Further genetic and morphological investigations will clarify the relations among the Alpine populations and in the early future we expect to extend the analyzes to the majority of the Alpine and non-Alpine populations of Chelidura. In addition, the updated view about the taxonomy and distribution of Chelidura and the first illustration of male genitalia of Chelidura pyrenaica arverna David & Van Herrewege, 1973 are provided.