On the taxonomic use of the distribution pattern of the antennal asteriform sensilla in Neoasterolepisma and Tricholepisma (Insecta, Zygentoma, Lepismatidae)

Some features of the distribution pattern of the antennal asteriform sensil la are described for two groups of Lepismatidae: Neoasterolepisma and Trich olepisma. Seventeen Spanish species have been studied, fifteen belonging to Neoasterolepisma and two to Tricholepisma. Reliable characteristics for di stinguishing species are listed for the identification of males, females an d juveniles. The distal part of the antenna has several annuli, wich are Of ten arranged in groups of two, three or more units or elements; these group s of joints are called distal chains. These distal chains have been grouped two by two using the presence of trichobothria. We have verified that the number of sensilla arranged in the distal and basal annuli of each group of two distal chains is constant, as well as the number of sensilla arranged by pairs in a single annulus. Six different patterns have been found, two o f them showing pairs of sensilla.