taxonID	type	description	language	source
03D08719DE51E909F3BCA6AB3808859F.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: CE 8 D 01 B 6 - DC 13 - 49 B 8 - AF 91 - 8 A 4 BBFBB 58 AB	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE51E909F3BCA6AB3808859F.taxon	type_taxon	Type-species: Scaptodesmus porati Cook, 1896, Cameroons, by original designation.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE51E909F3BCA6AB3808859F.taxon	diagnosis	Historical diagnosis. According to Cook (1896), the genus Scaptodesmus is easily recognized by the presence of ozopores located on distinct excavations at the lateral margins of the carinae, the dorsum very slightly convex, and the telson with the marginal processes very strongly developed. Updated diagnosis. A genus of Chelodesmidae (subfamily: Prepodesminae), distinguished by the absence of a conspicuous paramedian or dorsomedian horn on the metaterga; subrectangular, elevated, horizontal paranota with dentate lateral, anterior, and posterior margins, combined with a slightly convex dorsum (Figs 2 A, 3, 7, 10); the normal pore formula (5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15 – 19), with ozopores being located on distinct excavations along the lateral margins of the paranota (Figs 2 A, 4 A, 11 A – B, 8 B – D), gonopod telopodites suberect, in situ directed forward (Fig. 8 F), held parallel to each other, not crossing mesally; femoral process subcylindrical, usually densely setose, elongated, partly erect, taking up ca. 2 / 3 total telopodite length, without femorite, with a complex dorsal postfemoral process (pfp) demarcated from acropodite by a distinct cingulum; acropodite twisted and divided into two lobes (Figs 2 C, D, 5, 9, 12 C – F). External branch forming a solenophore (sph), larger than internal branch, or solenomere (slo), supporting a seminal groove all along (Fig. 2 C – D).	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE51E909F3BCA6AB3808859F.taxon	description	The key below is based on male characters and therefore, Scaptodesmus porati Cook, 1896 is excluded as the gonopods have never been illustrated.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE50E908F3BCA43238F9859B.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 835743 F 8 - DDE 3 - 4456 - AC 97 - 54164492 DA 2 F	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE50E908F3BCA43238F9859B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. This species differs from congeners by the coloration being mostly red or reddish-brown; lateral margin of paranota usually yellowish; top of head rugulose, forehead wrinkled and densely setose; telson with a very strongly developed marginal process.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE50E908F3BCA43238F9859B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from the type locality: Mapanja, Cameroon.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE905F3BCA3A7391A80CB.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: DD 216 F 03 - 2061 - 4 E 39 - 91 D 7 - A 896 EBDB 1 FBA Figs 2 & 14	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE905F3BCA3A7391A80CB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. This species differs from congeners by a greyish black coloration; paranota subrectangular with lateral, anterior and posterior edges denticulate (Fig. 2 A). Lateral edges usually forming three lobes: two tridentate, corresponding to anterior and posterior edges. Poreless rings usually with three tridentate lobes. Telson short and broad, densely granulated all over (Fig. 2 B). Gonopods (Fig. 2 C – E) featuring a postfemoral process (pfp) located on caudal surface, curved at a right angle anteriorly and straight distally, divided distally into two unequal spiniform branches. Solenomere lobe (slo) broad and falcate, extending from outer to inner edge, accompanied by a broad, elongated, racket-shaped lamellar solenophore (sph), curved inwards, opposite solenomere branch.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE905F3BCA3A7391A80CB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Buea, Cameroon; Gabon; Democratic Republic of the Congo;? Nigeria.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE905F3BCA3A7391A80CB.taxon	discussion	Remark. The type of this species, originally claimed as having been housed in the ZMH, is lost (Dr. Danilo Hans, personal communication).	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE904F3BCA57F391185D6.taxon	description	Figs 3 – 6 & 14	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE904F3BCA57F391185D6.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype male (NHMN- 62 - 2), Cameroon, Center Region, Kala Mountain, 3.829667 N, 11.339264 E, 1050 m a. s. l., secondary forest, 25. V. 2024, leg. A. R. Nzoko Fiemapong. Paratypes: 1 male, 2 females (NHMN- 62 - 3); 2 females (NHMN- 62 - 4), same data, together with holotype; 1 male (SEM, ARNF), same locality, but 22. V. 2024; 1 fragmented female (NHMN- 62 - 5), 1 female (NHMN- 62 - 6), 1 female (ARNF), same locality, but 21. V. 2024; 2 fragmented males, 1 female (NHMN- 62 - 7), same locality, but 24. V. 2024; 1 female, (ARNF), 1 male (ARNF), same locality, but 17. V. 2024, all leg. A. R. Nzoko Fiemapong. 1 male, 2 females (ARNF), 1 male (NHMN- 62 - 8), 1 female (NHMN- 62 - 9), secondary forest, Kala Mountain, 3.831365 N, 11.342354 E 1010 m a. s. l., secondary forest, 25. V. 2024, leg. A. R. Nzoko Fiemapong.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE904F3BCA57F391185D6.taxon	etymology	Etymology. To emphasize the type locality; noun in apposition.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE904F3BCA57F391185D6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. This species differs from congeners by the gonopod aperture being transversely ovoid, the anterior margin forming a small, apical, conical projection (Fig. 4 D). Gonopod postfemoral process (pfp) markedly enlarged, rake-shaped, tip bearing 3 or 4 minute denticles (Fig. 5). The medial branch constituting a solenophore (sph) and a lateral branch, or solenomere (slo), the latter bearing a small solenomere proper (sl) at its tip.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE904F3BCA57F391185D6.taxon	description	Description. Length of holotype, 38 mm (male), width of midbody pro- and metazona, 4 and 10 mm (male), respectively. Length of paratypes, 48 mm, width of midbody pro- and metazona, 4.5 – 5 and 11 – 11.5 mm (male, female), respectively. Coloration (preserved in 70 % alcohol) brown to light brown-yellowish on paratergal callus, legs yellow-brown (Fig. 3 B – C). Venter and clypeolabral region brownish; antennae light brown. Head densely setose in clypeolabral region and shagreened behind antennae, interantennal isthmus almost as wide as diameter of antennal socket. Antennae long and only slightly clavate, reaching in situ the anterior margin of body ring 4 when stretched dorsally; antennomeres 5 and 6 each bearing a dorso-apical group of tiny bacilliform sensilla; in length, antennomere 2> 6> 3 = 4 – 5> 1> 7; apical segment densely pilose, with usual four sensory cones. Body with 20 segments (male, female). In width, collum <ring 2 <3 <4 <5 <6 – 17, body tapering towards telson thereafter. Collum transversely ellipsoid, subflabellate, covering the head from above. Dorsal surface regularly granulate (Figs 3 A, 4 A). Dorsum slightly convex (Fig. 3 A). Prozona smooth and slightly shining; metazona dull, densely granulate. Metazona with transverse sulci dividing them dorsally into two halves. Paranota inclined somewhat downwards, lateral edges forming irregular teeth, especially so on poriferous rings. A particularly pronounced axial line dividing metaterga 2 – 16 into two equal parts, less pronounced on following rings. Caudal corner of paranota increasingly high and drawn behind, near tergal margin on rings 17 – 19. Sharp spines, tubercles or cones observed at pleurosternal margins near coxae. Dorsum slightly declined, paratergal margins increasingly well inclined caudad starting with ring 16, thereafter mostly lying at about body midheight; only paraterga 17 – 19 increasingly clearly drawn past rear tergal margin, 19 th sharp. Sides below paraterga densely granulate, grains in caudal row being longer, spiniform and sharp. Ozopores visible, open flush on surface near midlength slightly above lateral edge of paraterga (Fig. 3 C). Epiproct short, small, spade-shaped, flattened dorsoventrally, subtruncate, and dorsally granulate-tuberculate (Figs 3 B, 4 B). Hypoproct densely granulate-tuberculate, roundly subtrapeziform, with 1 + 1 caudal setae very distinctly separated and borne on minute knobs (Fig. 2 B). Paraprocts likewise densely granulate (Fig. 3 B). Sterna broad, about 2.5 – 3 times as wide as coxa length, almost flat, microgranulate and slightly setose on metazona, prozona being smooth and devoid of setae (Fig. 3 B). Gonapophyses on male coxae 2 vestigial. Legs long, about 1.5 times as long as midbody height (male, female); in length, femur> tarsus> prefemur = tibia> postfemur> coxa; claw very small, slightly curved; tarsi densely setose, but forming no brushes on ventral surface (Fig. 4 C). Gonopod aperture transversely ovoid in shape and fully concealing the gonocoxae and the bases of telopodites, with slightly elevated lateral and anterior edges, the latter forming a small cone at tip (Fig. 4 D). Gonopod (Figs 5 A – C): coxites of medium size and subcylindrical; fused at base to a small membranous sternal remnant and, distodorsally, bearing a dense field of setae, including a pair of particularly long, closely placed distalmost ones (Fig. 5 B, C). Cannulae slender, without peculiarities (Fig. 5 B). Telopodites in situ directed forward, held subparallel to each other and suberect. Prefemoral region densely setose, as usual, subcylindrical, taking up ca. 2 / 3 total length of telopodite. Femorite absent, but a large and complex postfemoral process (pfp) present, markedly enlarged, bent at a right angle, rake-shaped, bearing 3 – 4 minute denticles at tip (Fig. 5). Acropodite twisted and divided into two prominent lobes: a medial solenophore lobe (sph) and a lateral, small and falcate branch, or solenomere lobe (slo), this bearing a small solenomere proper (sl) at its apex. Female. Cyphopods cordiform in anterior and posterior views (Fig. 6), located directly behind second pair of legs on body ring 3; composed of two densely setose vulvae (Fig. 6). Anterior and posterior valves joined distally, with a separation line barely distinguishable. Operculum (OP) relatively large and only lightly covered with small setae (Fig. 6 A – C).	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5DE904F3BCA57F391185D6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Scaptodesmus kala sp. nov. is only known from its type locality (see Fig. 14). This species inhabits degraded secondary forests, where it has been found in leaf litter and decaying dead wood. It co-occurs with S. vandenspiegeli sp. nov. on Kala Mountain in the Central Region of Cameroon. Notably, it has mainly been observed during the rainy season.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5FE903F3BCA6BE388D8598.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: AF 96 C 472 - A 182 - 48 B 8 - AD 26 - AD 4 E 42 ABB 721 Figs 7 – 9 & 14	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5FE903F3BCA6BE388D8598.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: Holotype male (NHMN- 62 - 10), Cameroon, Littoral Region, Manengouba Mountain, 4.98536 N, 9.82125 E, 2175 m a. s. l., forest, 16. VIII. 2020, leg. A. R. Nzoko Fiemapong and M. Kameni Ngalieu. Paratypes: 1 male (NHMN- 62 - 11), 1 fragmented male (NHMN- 62 - 12), 1 male (SEM, ARNF), same data, together with holotype.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5FE903F3BCA6BE388D8598.taxon	etymology	Etymology. To emphasize the type locality; noun in apposition.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5FE903F3BCA6BE388D8598.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Adult males of S. manengouba sp. nov. are distinguished from other congeners by the small body size (25 mm length); gonopod postfemoral process (pfp) complex, folded into a lateral groove (9 A – B); acropodite external branch forming a small, elongate and falcate solenomere (slo), adjacent to a larger, subrounded, mesal solenophore (sph).	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5FE903F3BCA6BE388D8598.taxon	description	Description. Length of holotype, ca. 25 mm (male), width of midbody pro- and metazona, 3 and 4 mm (male), respectively. Length of paratypes, 25 mm, width of midbody pro- and metazoan, 2.7 – 3 and 3 – 4 mm (male), respectively. Coloration (preserved in 70 % ethanol) brown with yellow-orange-brown paraterga; legs and clypeolabral region light yellowish (Fig. 7 A); antennae brown, venter yellowish brown (Fig. 7 C). Head densely microtuberculate; moderately setose in dorsal view (Figs 7 C, 8 A). Interantennal isthmus about half as broad as diameter of antennal sockets. Antennae long and clavate (Fig. 7 B), reaching in situ the anterior margin of body ring 4 when stretched dorsally; antennomeres 5 and 6 each bearing a dorso-apical group of tiny bacilliforms sensilla; in length, antennomere 6> 2 = 3 - 5> 1> 7; apical segment densely pilose with usual four sensory cones. Body with 20 segments (male). In width, head = collum <ring 2 <3 <4 <5 <6 = 7 – 16; body then tapering towards telson. Collum (Fig. 8 A) transversely ellipsoid, not covering the head from above; sides narrowly rounded; dorsal surface microgranulate (Figs 7 A – C, 8 A – F). Dorsum slightly declined (Figs 7 C, 8 A, C, E). Prozona smooth and shining; metazona dull, densely granulate; dorsal surface of metaterga uniformly microgranulate. Paraterga broad, set at about the upper 1 / 3 of body, tips undulated to slightly sawtooth-like, with the pores opening into a bulge (= peritremata) featuring two denticules behind and three in front of the pore (Fig. 8 B, D). Pleurosternal margins with a field of tubercles, near the coxae. The dorsum exhibits a slight downward inclination, while the paraterga margin displays an increasingly posterior orientation towards the caudal margin, from segment 16 onwards, mostly lying at about half of body height and slightly bent down; only paraterga 16 – 19 increasingly clearly drawn behind the rear tergal margin. Sides below paraterga densely granulate, featuring spiniform in caudal margin. Ozopores visible, open flush on surface near midlength, slightly above the lateral edge of paraterga (Fig. 8 D). Epiproct short, broad, spade-shaped, strongly flattened, subtruncate, and densely granulated (Fig. 7 B – C). Hypoproct densely granulate, roundly subtrapeziform, with 1 + 1 caudal setae distinctly separated and borne on minute knobs (Fig. 6 B). Paraprocts likewise densely granulate (Fig. 8 B). Sterna broad, about twice as wide as the coxa length, almost flat, microgranulate and slightly setose (Figs 7 B, 8 F). Gonapophyses on male coxae 2 vestigial. Spiracles (Fig. 7 A) large, remarkably tubiform. Legs long, about 2.0 times as long as the midbody height (male); in length, femur> tarsus> tibia> prefemur> postfemur> coxa; claw very small, slightly curved; tarsi densely setose, but forming no brushes on ventral surface. Gonopod aperture ovoid and relatively large; its lateral and posterior edges slightly elevated (Fig. 8 F). This structure fully conceals the gonocoxae and the bases of the telopodites. Gonopods (Fig. 8 F): coxites of medium size and subcylindrical in shape. Telopodites in situ directed forward, held subparallel to each other and suberect. Prefemoral region densely setose and erect, taking up ca. 2 / 3 of total length of telopodite (Figs 8 F, 9 A). Femorite absent, but a large and complex postfemoral process (pfp) present, folded into a lateral groove (Fig. 9). Acropodite clearly twisted and divided parabasally into two branches. The small, elongate and falcate lateral branch forming the solenomere (slo), next to a larger, sub-rounded medial branch, the solenophore (sph). Female. Unknown	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5FE903F3BCA6BE388D8598.taxon	distribution	Distribution. This species is only known from the type locality (Fig. 14). It was found in a relatively wellpreserved forest, on Mount Manengouba, in decomposing leaf litter.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5AE91EF3BCA3A73A748372.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 2 F 2 B 336 E-F 414 - 49 BD-A 1 F 5 - 4 C 65 CC 3 E 0304 Figs 10 – 13 & 14	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5AE91EF3BCA3A73A748372.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: Holotype male (NHMN- 62 - 13), Cameroon, Center Region, Zamakoe secondary Forest, 3.5563 N, 11.5218 E, 706 m a. s. l., 21. III. 2015, leg. A. R. Nzoko Fiemapong. Paratypes: male (NHMN- 62 - 14), Cameroon, Center Region, Lékié Division, Obala, Cacao based agroforest, 4.168376 N, 10.213165 E, 641 m a. s. l., 26. IV. 2023, leg. Guibai Jean and A. R. Nzoko Fiemapong; 1 female (NHMN- 62 - 15), Cameroon Littoral Region, Ebo Forest, 4.346097 N, 10.213165 E; 18. IV. 2022, 1 male (SEM, ARNF), Cameroon, Center Region, Kala Mountain 03.83544 N, 11.35148 E, 1050 m a. s. l., mature natural secondary forest, 22. V. 2024; 1 female (ARNF), same locality and date; 1 female (NHMN- 62 - 16) Ongot, 3.85 N, 11.483334 E, degraded secondary forest, ca 810 m a. s. l., 08. VII. 2022, all leg. A. R. Nzoko Fiemapong.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5AE91EF3BCA3A73A748372.taxon	etymology	Etymology. To honor Dr. Didier Vandenspiegel, a taxonomist who has greatly contributed to the knowledge of Afrotropical and other Diplopoda.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5AE91EF3BCA3A73A748372.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. This species differs from congeners by the marbled olivaceous-brown coloration without special yellow spots at lateral margins of paraterga (Fig. 10). Gonopod postfemoral process (pfp) complex, presenting a small, rounded lamella just after the curvature and bifid distally (Fig. 12 D); external branch of acropodite forming a large solenomere (slo), which has only an indistinct, small solenomere proper at its tip, next to a larger internal axe-shaped branch forming a solenophore (sph).	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5AE91EF3BCA3A73A748372.taxon	description	Description. Length of holotype, ca. 43 mm, width of midbody pro- and metazona, 3.3 and 8 mm, respectively. Length of paratypes, 44 mm, width of midbody pro- and metazona, 3.5 – 4.5 and 9 – 10.5 mm (male, female), respectively. Dorsum granulate (Figs 10, 11 C). Coloration (preserved in 70 % ethanol) olivaceous-marbled-brown; antennae, venter and legs brown to light brown. Head densely microgranulate; interantennal isthmus about half as broad as diameter of antennal socket. Antennae long and only slightly clavate, in situ reaching past body ring 4 when stretched dorsally; in length, antennomere 4 = 3> 2> 6> 1> 7; apical segment with usual four sensory cones. Body with 20 segments (male, female). In width, head <collum <ring 2 <3 <4 <5 <6 – 16, body tapering towards telson starting with ring 17. Collum transversely ellipsoid, not covering the head from above; sides narrowly rounded; dorsal surface densely and irregularly microgranulate (Figs 10, 11 C). Dorsum slightly convex (Fig. 10). Prozona smooth and shining; metazona dull, densely microgranulate; pleurosternal region with transverse rows of small, tubercles / short spines. Metaterga 2 – 5 each with a small, evident impression at bases of paraterga, following paraterga (nearly) regularly convex, continuing the convex outline of mid-dorsal region. Paraterga broad, mostly lying at about half body height, and slightly declined, paraterga 17 – 19 increasingly clearly drawn past rear tergal margin, 19 th sharp. Sides below paraterga densely granulate, grains in the caudal row being longer, spiniform, and sharp. A thin and dark axial line sometimes traceable dorsally, particularly well visible on collum and prozona. Epiproct short, spade-shaped, strongly flattened dorsoventrally, subtruncate, tuberculate dorsally (Fig. 10). Hypoproct microgranulate, subtrapeziform, with 1 + 1 caudal setae distinctly separated and borne on minute knobs. Paraprocts likewise densely microgranulate. Sterna broad, almost flattened, densely granulate on metazona (Fig. 12 B). Gonapophyses on male coxae 2 vestigial. Legs, very long and slender, about 1.5 times as long as the height at midbody (male), in length, femur> tarsus> tibia> prefemur = postfemur> coxa; claw very small, slightly curved; ventral surface of legs densely setose except for both postfemur and coxa. No brushes on ventral surface of tarsi (Fig. 11 D). Gonopod aperture (Fig. 12 B) transversely ovoid, large, lateral and posterior edges slightly elevated, fully concealing both gonocoxae and bases of telopodites. Gonopods (Fig. 12 C-F): coxite medium-sized, subcylindrical, fused at base to a small membranous sternal remnant, poorly setose distodorsally, including a pair of very closely placed, distalmost and particularly long setae. Cannulae slender, without peculiarities. Telopodites in situ directed forward, held subparallel to each other, suberect, not crossing each other mesally. Prefemoral part erect, taking up ca. 2 / 3 total length of telopodite. Femorite absent, but a relatively complex postfemoral process (pfp) present, recurved at a right-angle, bifid, bearing a small, rounded lamella / plate just after the curvature. Acropodite twisted, divided parabasally into two lobes: a medial, large and axe-shaped solenophore (sph) and a large lateral solenomere (slo) branch, this bearing an indistinct, small solenomere proper at its tip. Female. Cyphopods located directly behind of leg-pair 2 on body ring 3; broadly ovoid in ventral view (Fig. 13). Anterior and posterior valves densely setose, ventral margins elevated, forming distinct carinae. Contact line between the two valves forming a median groove (Fig. 13 B). Operculum small and relatively proximal (Fig. 13 C).	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
03D08719DE5AE91EF3BCA3A73A748372.taxon	distribution	Distribution. This species is currently known from three localities in Cameroon's southern forest region, where it has been usually found under leaf litter and in decaying material. It has been recorded in syntopy with S. kala sp. nov. in the Central region of the country (Fig. 14). The species inhabits both degraded secondary forests and mature, undisturbed forest.	en	Fiemapong, Armand Richard Nzoko, Blandenier, Quentin, Tamesse, Joseph Lebell, Mitchell, Edward A. D. (2025): Taxonomic review of the Afrotropical millipede genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with integrative descriptions of three new species from Cameroon. Zootaxa 5696 (3): 361-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3
