Descriptions of a new genus and a new species, Grylloprimevala jilina (Grylloblattidae) from China

We erected a new genus (Grylloprimevala Zhou & Ren gen. nov.) and defined a new species (Grylloprimevala jilina Zhou & Ren sp. nov.) from a natural cave in the primeval forest of Jilin Province, China, according to the morphological, behavioral, and molecular evidence. Grylloprimevala gen. nov. is distinguishable from other genera of Grylloblattodea primarily by morphological characters, including the slightly concave posterior margin of the pronotum and no poorly sclerotized zones, six intramarginal and nine intermarginal setae on the cervical sclerite, one tooth on the lacinia, no pulvilli on tarsal segments, and a symmetrical epiproct with a pointed triangular and middle-depressed median projection on the posterior margin. Based on the morphological features mentioned above, we further identified a new species, G. jilina sp. nov. At the aspect of behavior, G. jilina sp. nov. displays the typical characteristics of troglobites, including degraded visual senses, developed body surface sensors, and predation between individuals. Furthermore, molecular phylogenetic analyses also supported the morphological delimitation of G. jilina sp. nov. due to the separate clade of G. jilina sp. nov. Our results provide materials for the determination and conservation of Grylloblattodea in China.

Automated summary

We discovered a new genus (Grylloprimevala Zhou & Ren gen. nov.) and a new species (Grylloprimevala jilina Zhou & Ren sp. nov.) from a natural cave in the primeval forest of Jilin Province, China, based on morphological, behavioral, and molecular evidence. Grylloprimevala gen. nov. differs from other Grylloblattodea genera primarily in morphological characters, and the new species, G. jilina sp. nov., exhibits typical troglobite characteristics in behavior. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supports the morphological delimitation of G. jilina sp. nov. Our findings contribute to the identification and conservation of Grylloblattodea in China.