Ityphilus

Diagnosis. This genus can be distinguished from the other genera currently recognized in the family Ballophilidae by the following combination of features. Antennae somewhat curved in the middle to truly geniculate, distally slightly thickened to strongly clavate. Mid-piece of labrum membranous, without teeth or with minute hair-like structures. Forcipular coxosternite with incomplete to nearly complete chitin-lines. Internal edge of forcipular tarsungulum smooth or serrate. Ventral pore-fields of anterior region of the body single (subcircular to transversely elliptical in shape), those of posterior region, single or divided into two areas. Coxopleura of the last leg-bearing segment each with two internal coxal organs of simple structure (“ homogeneous coxal glands ”, sensu Brölemann & Ribaut 1912). Legs of the ultimate pair with seven articles, ultimate pretarsus setiform, basally tubercle-like and usually accompanied by a minute spine.

Remarks. All species currently assigned to the taxon are listed in Minelli, 2006; Bonato et al. (2007); Pereira (2010, 2012, 2013 a). The actual distinction between Ityphilus and the probably closely related genera Ballophilus Cook, 1896 and Diplethmus Cook, 1899 deserves further investigation (cf. Turk 1955, Crabill 1960, Pereira & Minelli 1996, Pereira et al. 1997, 2000, Bonato et al. 2007).

Type species of the genus. Ityphilus lilacinus Cook, 1899, by original designation.