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Acrotelsella jhargramensis sp. n. (Figures 1–18, Table 1) Type material. Holotype male under the bark of a Sal tree (Shorea robusta), Bandarbhola, Jhargram, West Bengal, India [22°25′38″ N, 87°15′37″ E, elevation 82 m], 21.xi.2019, 1 male, coll. Dr. A. K. Hazra & D. Jana, Registration number 3144/H14, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Paratype male, same date and locality as holotype, Registration number 3145/H14, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Etymology. The species is named after the type locality, the district Jhargram, West Bengal, India. Diagnosis. Apical article of labial palps with high number of sensory papillae (10‒12); labrum with macrosetae not arranged in bushes; trichobothria lacking from the most posterior comb of the mesonotum; prosternum with 4+4 bristle combs of macrosetae, mesosternum with 2+2 bristle combs of macrosetae and metasternum with 1+1 bristle combs of macrosetae. Urotergite X acutely triangular (44°) with sharp and pointed apex; two pairs of abdominal styli. Description. Holotype male body length 12.4 mm in life, mottled brown with dark annulated antennae and caudal appendages (Fig. 1). Base colour (in alcohol) dorsally brownish yellow with a covering of light brown scales, ventrally whitish yellow. Shape of the body elongate, more or less parallel-sided, dorsoventrally compressed anteriorly, sub-cylindrical posteriorly; thorax slightly wider than abdomen (Fig. 2). Faintly brownish but distinct pigment on the segments of the maxillary palp. Antennae and caudal appendages with alternate dark and light bands of brown pigmentation. Antennal length 16.9 mm, longer than body and surpassing the body by 1.3 times when directed backwards. Near base, flagellomeres with one annulus; ninth interval composed of two annuli; most distal part of the antennae with eight annuli in each flagellomere; fifth annulus in each interval a dark ring. Oval scales present on both the scape and pedicel, basiconic sensilla present on apical flagellomeres. Head semi-circular in outline anteriorly; frons bearing two very conspicuous tufts of stout cephalic setae, pectinate and radially arranged. Numerous bifid and pectinate macrosetae present on both clypeus and labrum, those of the clypeus grouped in two tufts composed of 30‒32 macrosetae each and those on the labrum scattered over the outer third (Fig. 3). Eyes relatively small, located well behind the antennae. Head wider (1.42 mm) than long (0.98 mm). Maxillary palp (Fig. 4) five-segmented; terminal segment (0.45 mm) longer than penultimate segment (0.34 mm). Apical segment of labial palp (Figs. 5, 6) bearing ten horizontal sensory papillae on left labial palp and twelve horizontal sensory papillae on right labial palp, arranged in single rows; apical segment about 2.4× wider at the apex than at the base and 1.5× wider than long. Medial part of the pronotal collar (Fig. 7) composed of two rows of macrosetae, lateral regions with a single row of smooth macrosetae. Lateral margins of pronotum with 7+7 combs composed of 1−2 macrosetae each. Two trichobothrial areas on each side, associated with the inner end of the last comb (N) and between the two macrochaetae of N-3. Lateral margins of mesonotum (Fig. 8) with 12+11 combs each consisting of 1−3 macrosetae, including one trichobothrium between the macrochaeta and the margin of N-2; no macrochaetae associated with the trichobothrium of the most posterior lateral combs of the mesonotum. Lateral margins of metanotum (Fig. 9) with 10+10 combs composed of 1−3 macrosetae, including two trichobothrial areas, the trichobothrium located on the inner side of comb N and between the macrochaeta and the margin of comb N−1. Hind borders of pro, meso and metanota with 1+1 submedial bristle combs composed of five macrosetae each, the two pronotal combs separated by about 0.4× the width of the pronotum. Prosternum (Fig. 10) 1.4 mm long, length/width ratio about 0.9, subtriangular, posteriorly rounded; posteriorly with 4+4 bristle combs each composed of 2−5 macrosetae. Mesosternum (Fig. 11) 1.7 mm long, length/width ratio about 0.9, rounded-triangular in shape, with 2+2 posterior bristle combs each composed of four macrosetae. Metasternum 1.4 mm long, length/width ratio about 0.7; posterior margin broadly rounded with 1+1 bristle combs, each composed of seven macrosetae (Fig 12); distance between metasternal combs 5.4× the width of a comb. Legs stout; femora moderate in size; tibiae and tarsi moderately elongate; pretarsi with slightly curved claws (Fig. 13). Scales present on coxae, femora, tibia and first tarsomere (Fig. 14). Length/width ratio of protibia about 2.5× longer than wide; protibia with two macrosetae inserted on dorsal margin, six macrosetae on ventral margin. Lengths of fore tarsomeres I‒IV 0.41, 0.13, 0.18 and 0.2 mm, respectively. Mesotibia 2.9× longer than wide, with two dorsal and five ventral macrosetae. Lengths of middle tarsomeres I‒IV 0.51, 0.16, 0.19 and 0.22 mm, respectively. Metatibia about 3.3× longer than wide, with two dorsal and four ventral macrosetae. Lengths of hind tarsomeres 0.71, 0.16, 0.21 and 0.26 mm, respectively. Urotergite I with 1+1 bristle-combs, each composed of five macrosetae; urotergites II−VII with 3+3 bristlecombs, each composed of 4−10 macrosetae; urotergite VIII with 2+2 bristle-combs, each composed of 4−12 macrosetae. Urotergite IX without bristle combs. The number of macrosetae per bristle comb on urotergites given in Table 1. Urotergite X (Fig. 15) triangular with sharply pointed apex; length 0.14 mm, length/width ratio about 1.2, with 4+4 bristle-combs of 2−4 macrosetae each. Urosternites I and II without setae, III−VIII with 1+1 lateral bristle-combs, each composed of 13−15 macrosetae. Width of the bristle combs and the gap between them varying on each urosternite; ratio of the distance between the combs and the width of a comb ranges from 3.0 on urosternite VIII to 6.2 on urosternite IV (Fig. 16). Two pairs of styli present, inserted on segments VIII (Fig. 17) and IX (Fig.18), both covered with scales. Styli IX length 1.4× that of styli VIII. Posterior margin of coxite VIII between the combs almost straight. Inner process of coxite IX long, triangular and pointed at tip with the angle of the posterior point (44°), about 1.6× longer than wide at its base and 1.8× longer than the outer process. Penis shape typical for the subfamily; length 0.53 mm, length/width ratio 0.8. Length of caudal filament up to 9.7 mm, that of cerci up to 9.9 mm. Most distal flagellomere of the caudal appendages with eight annuli, major macrochaetae restricted to the most distal annulus. Scales present on annuli 2, 4 and 6. Pigment absent from the most distal and most basal annuli of each flagellomere resulting in the banded appearance. Distribution and habitat. The specimens belonging to this new species were found under the bark of Sal trees (Shorea robusta) of Bandarbhola at Jhargram, West Bengal, India. Red laterite is the predominant soil in the district, supporting undergrowth of various types of herbs and shrubs on the forest floor. The weather is extremely humid and tropical. There are large numbers of termite mounds present on the forest floor.

Identification key to Ctenolepisma s. str. species from India 1. Urotergite VII with 3+3 bristle-combs.................................................................... 6 - Urotergite VII with 2+2 bristle-combs.................................................................... 2 2. Urotergite VI with 3+3 bristle-combs..................................................................... 4 - Urotergite VI with 2+2 bristle-combs..................................................................... 3 3. Urotergite X without well-defined bristle-combs........................................ Ctenolepisma (C.) nigrum - Urotergite X with 1+1 bristle-combs............................................... Ctenolepisma (Ct.) tripurense 4. Prosternum with only 1+1 small bristle-combs consisting in a row of 3‒4 macrosetae. Ovipositor with fewer than 30 divisions.................................................................... Ctenolepisma (C.) udumalpetense sp. n. - Prosternum with at least 2+2 bristle-combs, frequently with more than 5 macrosetae each. Ovipositor with more than 35 divisions............................................................................................ 5 5. Epidermic pigment absent or yellowish. Caudal filaments and antennae as long as or longer than body length. Lateral margins of prosternum convex...................................................... Ctenolepisma (C.) longicaudatum - Epidermic pigment intense, especially in appendages, usually purplish brown. Caudal filaments shorter than body length, antennae at most as long as body. Lateral margins of prosternum straight.................... Ctenolepisma (C.) ciliatum 6. Infralateral combs of urotergites broad, composed of about 15 macrosetae. Apex of the ovipositor acute. Adult specimens reaching 15 mm in length......................................................... Ctenolepisma (C.) alticola - Infralateral combs of urotergites smaller, with 3‒8 macrosetae.Apex of the ovipositor rounded. Adult specimens smaller, length upto 9 mm.......................................................................................... 7 7. Labial palp bearing three sensory papillae. Ovipositor with 70 divisions............... Ctenolepisma (C.) boettgerianum - Labial palp bears nine sensory papillae. Ovipositor with 54‒56 divisions......... Ctenolepisma (C.) venkataramani sp. n., Published as part of Hazra, Ashis Kumar, Jana, Debanjan, Mandal, Guru Pada & Molero-Baltanás, Rafael, 2022, On two new species of the genus Ctenolepisma (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) from India, pp. 59-68 in Zootaxa 5222 (1) on pages 67-68, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5222.1.4, http://zenodo.org/record/7456435

Hazra, Ashis Kumar, Jana, Debanjan, Mandal, Guru Pada, Molero-Baltanás, Rafael (2022): On two new species of the genus Ctenolepisma (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) from India. Zootaxa 5222 (1): 59-68, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5222.1.4

Ctenolepisma (Ctenolepisma) venkataramani sp. n. (Figures 1−17, Table 1) Type material. Holotype: Under leaf litter near the East Thiopathak Waterfalls, Sri Venkateshwara National Park, Andhra Pradesh, India [13°45’4” N, 79°20’16” E], 17.vii.2000, 1 female, coll. A.K. Hazra, Registration number 3051/H14, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Paratypes: Same locality as holotype, 17.vii.2000, 9 examples. (6 males and 3 females), coll. A.K. Hazra, Registration number 3052/H14, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Etymology. The species is named after Dr. K. Venkataraman, former Director of Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata for inspiration to explore the Indian Zygentoma. Diagnosis. Apical article of labial palps with an unusually high number of sensory papillae (nine). Trichobothria of nota arranged as in C. ciliatum. All thoracic sternites with 1+1 subapical bristle-combs of macrosetae. Urotergite I with 1+1, II-VII with 3+3 and VIII with 2+2 bristle combs. Urosternites I and II without setae, III–VIII with 1+1 lateral bristle combs. Urotergal combs with 4−8 macrosetae and urosternal combs with 8−9 macrosetae each. Urotergite X trapezoidal, similar to that of C. boettgerianum Paclt, 1961. Two pairs of abdominal styli. Ovipositor with 54−56 divisions. Description. Body length of female up to 8.8 mm; of male up to 7.8 mm. Base colour (in spirit) dorsally whitish yellow with a covering of light brown scales, ventrally whitish yellow. Shape of the body elongate, more or less parallel sided, dorso-ventrally compressed anteriorly, sub-cylindrical posteriorly; thorax slightly wider than abdomen (Fig. 1). Faintly brownish pigments distinct on sides and apical border of scapus and antennae, on second and third segment of maxillary palp; lateral margins of labial palp; upper part of coxa, lower part of trochanter, entire lateral margin of femur and outer margin of tibia; styli IX all along their length. Caudal appendages with uniform brown pigmentation, not arranged in alternating dark and light bands. Head semi-circular in outline anteriorly; frons bearing two very conspicuous tufts of stout cephalic setae, pectinate and radially arranged. Numerous bifid and pectinate macrosetae present in both clypeus and labrum; those of the clypeus are grouped in two tufts composed of 28−32 each (Fig. 2). Eyes relatively small, located well behind antennae. Head wider (1.17 mm) than long (0.58 mm). Antenna length up to 5.4 mm, shorter than body and reaching the sixth abdominal segment when directed backwards. Maxillary palp (Fig. 3) slender, five-segmented, last article slightly longer (0.39 mm) than penultimate (0.37 mm). Apical article of labial palp (Fig. 4) sub-globular in shape and bearing nine sensory papillae arranged in a single row; it is about 2.7 times wider at the apex than at the base and 1.1 times wider than long. Anterolateral row of the pronotum (Fig. 5) composed of a single row of bifid and smooth macrosetae. Pronotal collar with oblique sub-parallel rows of 3−5 macrosetae. Lateral margins with 8+8 combs composed of 2‒3 macrosetae each. Two trichobothrial areas on each side, associated to the inner side of the last comb (N) and to inner side of the N-3 comb; trichoid sensilla inserted on the outer side of the combs N and N−1 and on inner side of N-2, N-4, N-5 and N-6. Mesonotum (Fig. 6) lateral margins with 11 combs each consisting of 2−3 macrosetae, including two trichobothrial areas, one in the inner side of the last comb (N) and one in the outer side of the N-2 comb; trichoid sensilla present in the outer side of N-1 and in the inner side of N-3, N-4 and N-5. Metanotum (Fig. 7) lateral margins with 9+9 combs composed of 2‒3 macrosetae. Trichobothrial areas situated in the inner sides of the combs N and N-1; trichoid sensilla inserted on the outer side of combs N-1, N-2, N-5 and N-6 and on the inner side of combs N-2, N-3 and N-4. Hind borders of pro-, meso- and metanota with 1+1 bristle combs composed of 3−4 macrosetae each. Prosternum (Fig. 8) 1.2 mm long, its length/width ratio about 1, subtriangular, posteriorly elliptical in shape; apical part with 1+1 bristle combs each composed of 4 macrosetae. Mesosternum (Fig. 9) 1.4 mm long, its length/ width ratio about 1.1, semi-elliptical in shape, with rounded apex and 1+1 subapical bristle combs each composed of 4 macrosetae. Metasternum 1.3 mm long, length/width ratio about 0.9; posterior margin broadly rounded, with 1+1 bristle combs each composed of 4 macrosetae (Fig 10); the distance between these combs about 5 times the width of a comb. Legs stout; femora short, one strong seta on outer margin distally near the junction of tibiae; tibiae and tarsi moderately elongated; pretarsi with slightly curved claws (Figs. 11 and 12). Coxae and femora with scales. Protibia about 2.4 times longer than wide, with two macrosetae inserted in the dorsal margin and four macrosetae in the ventral margin. Protarsal tarsomere I length about 0.32 mm; tarsomere II, about 0.09 mm; tarsomere III, about 0.17 mm; tarsomere IV, about 0.12 mm. Mesotibia 2.7 times longer than wide, with two dorsal and three ventral macrosetae. Lengths of tarsomeres I, II, III and IV (in mm) on mesotarsus as follows: 0.41, 0.12, 0.15, 0.16. Metatibiae (Fig. 12) about 3 times longer than wide, with four dorsal and six ventral macrosetae. In the metatarsus, the length of tarsomere I is about 0.63 mm; of tarsomere II is about 0.13 mm; of tarsomere III is about 0.18 mm and of tarsomere IV is about 0.21 mm. Urotergite I with 1+1 bristle-combs, each composed of 4−5 macrosetae. Urotergites II−VII with 3+3 bristlecombs, each composed of 4−8 macrosetae, and urotergite VIII with 2+2 bristle-combs, each composed of 6−7 macrosetae. Urotergite IX without bristle combs. Urotergite X (Fig. 13) shorter than the width at its base, subtrapezoidal, short, with rounded posterolateral corners and faintly emarginated hind border with 1+1 prominent bristle-combs, each composed of 7 macrosetae. Urosternites I and II without setae, III−VIII with 1+1 lateral bristle-combs, each composed of (6)8-9 macrosetae. The width of the bristle combs and the gap distances between them varies in each urosternite, so that the ratio between the distance between the combs and the width of a comb varies from 8 on urosternite VII to 15 on urosternite III (Fig. 14). Both sexes with two pairs of styli, inserted on segments VIII (Fig. 15) and IX. In female, the ratio length of styli IX/ length of styli VIII about 1.2. Posterior margin of the coxite VIII round. Inner process of coxite IX triangular and pointed at tip, in the female about 1.5 times longer than wide at its base and 4 times longer than the outer process. Ovipositor very long, with 54−56 divisions, surpassing the apex of the inner process of the coxite IX by 4.3 times the length of this process (Fig. 16). Apical parts of gonapophyses not sclerotized, both the anterior and posterior regions with fine bristles; anterior region with two long setae (Fig. 17). Caudal filaments long but broken and incomplete on type material. Distribution and habitat. Specimens of Ctenolepisma venkataramani sp. n. were found in large numbers generally in shady, semi-decomposed leaf litter and under stones beside East Thiopathak Waterfalls at Sri Venkateshwara National Park. The species is supposed to be abundant in this tropical forest of Indian Deccan plateau. The conservation of this habitat will protect this Zygentoma species. Differential diagnosis. This new species is close to Ctenolepisma (Ctenolepisma) boettgerianum, as they have similar abdominal chaetotaxy (urotergite I with 1+1, II‒VII with 3+3 and VIII with 2+2 bristle combs; urosternites I and II without setae, III–VIII with 1+1 bristle combs), similar trapezoidal shape of the tenth urotergite and similar size. They differ in the characters presented in Table 1. The most remarkable character of the new species is the presence of an unusually high number of sensory papillae (nine) on the apical article of the labial palp, a condition that can be occasionally found in C. longicaudatum Escherich, 1905. In this latter species the number of papillae is variable, and most specimens bear the typical number (five), arranged as usual in a single row. However, C. longicaudatum is different because of its urotergal setation (3+3 combs in urotergite II‒VI), larger size (up to 15 mm or more), greater length of appendages and lighter epidermal pigment. Compared with other Indian species of the genus, there are 2 species of the subgenus Ctenolepisma s. str. bearing 3+3 combs on urotergites II‒VII and a trapezoidal tenth urotergite that are also present in some parts of Asia: C. mauritanicum (Lucas, 1846) and C. przewalskyi Kaplin, 1982. These species are easily distinguishable from C. venkataramani sp. n. as they have 2 or more pairs of bristle-combs in their prosternum (only one pair in the new species), and their ovipositor has a lower number of divisions (about 40 or less).

Ctenolepisma (Ctenolepisma) udumalpetense sp. n. (Figures 18−38) Type material. Holotype: Forest floor beside Trimurti dam, Udumalpet, Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu, India (10°29’11” N and 77°9’46” E), 17.ix.2019, 1 female, coll. A.K. Hazra, Registration number 3053/H14, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Paratypes: Same locality as holotype, 18.ix.2019, 22 (12 males 10 females), coll. A.K. Hazra, Registration number 3054/H14, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Etymology. The species is named after the name of the locality Udumalpet, Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu, India, which is the type locality. Diagnosis. This new species is a relatively small Ctenolepisma s. str. (about 6 mm long) with five sensory papillae on the apical articles of their labial palps. Their trichobothrial areas are arranged as in C. ciliatum. It has 1+1 bristle-combs of macrosetae in each thoracic sternite, 3+3 bristle-combs in urotergites II-VI, trapezoidal urotergite X and two pairs of abdominal styli. Ovipositor short, with less than 30 divisions. As in related species, tibial scales are absent, but femoral scales are narrower than usual (not widely rounded, but ovoid or elliptical). Description. Body length of females up to 6.1 mm, males slightly shorter (5.8 mm). Habitus (Fig. 18) fusiform, with the thorax slightly wider (1.19 mm) than the abdomen base (1 mm). Body pigment dark, uniformly distributed; antennae with evenly distributed light pigmentation but terminal filaments show distinct light and dark annulations. Scales dorsally dark brown. Ventral scales lighter pigmented. Body scales are rounded, fan-shaped and ovoid (Fig. 19) Macrosetae bifid, plumose; chaetotaxy of head as usual for the genus. Both clypeus and labrum with numerous bifid and pectinate macrosetae. Clypeus with two tufts of setae, each composed of 32–34 macrosetae. In the middle of the clypeus, a tuft of smooth hair-like setae present composed of 14 setae (Fig. 20). Eyes black, composed of 12 ommatidia. Antennal length up to 4 mm, shorter than body, surpassing the thorax up to abdominal segment six when directed backwards. Apical article of maxillary palp (Fig. 21) slightly longer (0.34 mm) than the penultimate (0.31 mm). Apical article of the labial palp about as wide (0.24 mm) as long (0.23 mm), with 5 distinct ovoid sensory papillae arranged in a compact single row (Figs. 22, 23). Medial part of the pronotal collar (Fig. 24) composed of 3–4 rows of macrosetae, lateral regions each with a single row of smooth macrosetae. Lateral margins of pronotum (Fig. 25) with 6+5 combs composed of 1–3 macrosetae each, including two trichobothrial areas, one in the inner side of the last comb (N) and another in the inner side of the N-3 comb. Mesonotum (Fig. 26) lateral margins with 8+8 combs consisting of 1–3 macrosetae; only one trichobothrial area in the outer side of the N-1 comb observed. Metanotum (Fig. 27) lateral margins with 6+6 combs composed of 1–3 macrosetae; trichobothria not seen. Hind borders of pro-, meso- and metanota with 1+1 bristle combs composed of 1–2 macrosetae each. Thoracic sternites as in Figs. 28–30. Prosternum 0.65 mm long, its length/width ratio about 0.9, with rounded posterior apex; postero-lateral margin with 1+1 bristle combs, each composed of 3–4 macrosetae. Mesosternum 0.84 mm long, its length/width ratio about 1.1, slightly wider than prosternum; its posterior apex rounded with 1+1 bristle combs, each composed of 3 macrosetae. Metasternum 0.82 mm long, its length/width ratio about 0.9; with broadly rounded apex, with 1+1 bristle combs, each composed of 5 macrosetae; the distance between these combs about 5 times the width of a comb. Scales present on coxae and femora (Figs. 31 and 32); femoral scales (Fig.–33) smaller than coxal ones, elliptical and with rounded apical margin. Length/width ratio of protibia about 2.4; of mesotibia about 2.5 and of metatibia about 2.8. Two macrosetae present in the dorsal margin of the protibia and three macrosetae in the ventral margin; mesotibia with two dorsal and five ventral macrosetae; metatibia with one dorsal and four ventral macrosetae. Protarsal tarsomere lengths I‒IV 0.25 0.09 mm 0.12 0.1 mm, respectively. The length of tarsomeres I, II, III and IV (in mm) on mesotarsus as follows: 0.34, 0.08, 0.12, 0.1 mm. The length of tarsomeres I, II, III and IV (in mm) on metatarsus as follows: 0.48, 0.11, 0.13, 0.12. Urotergite I with 1+1 bristle-combs composed of 3 macrosetae. Urotergites II–VI with 3+3 bristle-combs composed of 2‒5 macrosetae, urotergites VII‒VIII with 2+2 bristle-combs composed of 3‒4 macrosetae. Urotergite X trapezoidal, wider than long at its base (length 0.48 mm, base width 0.99 mm, apical width 0.29 mm), ratio length/ width about 0.48, posterior margin slightly concave (Fig. 34), with 1+1 bristle-combs of 3–4 macrosetae each. Urosternites I and II without setae, III–VIII with 1+1 lateral bristle-combs with 4–6 macrosetae. The width of the bristle combs and the space between them varying on each urosternite; this distance ranging from 10 times the width of a comb on urosternite VII to about 17 times on urosternite III. On urosternite IV (Fig. 35) this ratio about 13. Both sexes with two pairs of styli on urosternites VIII and IX. Styli IX 2.3 times longer than the inner process of the corresponding coxite in males and 2.1 times longer in females. In females, the length of styli VIII 6.2 times longer than their width, and length of styli IX about 8.7 times longer than wide. Ratio of the length of styli IX/ length of styli VIII is 1.2–1.5 for females and 1.3–1.5 for males. Inner process of female coxite VIII obliquely rounded. Length of inner process of coxite IX twice its width at its base and 4 times longer than the outer process. Ovipositor short, not surpassing the tip of coxite IX (Fig. 36). Anterior gonapophysis with 29 divisions, bearing 2–3 small setae at the apex. Posterior gonapophysis with 27 divisions. Penis as in Figures 37 and 38. Distribution and habitat. Specimens of Ctenolepisma udumalpetense sp. n. were found in large numbers generally in shady semi-decomposed dry leaf litter in forested regions. It is an active insect on the ground in leaf litter beside Trimurti Dam. The species is abundant in this tropical semi- evergreen forest of the Southern part of India. The protection of this habitat will help to conserve this Zygentoma species. Differential diagnosis. C. udumalpetense sp. n. is probably related to species of the subgenus Ctenolepisma s. str. with trapezoidal tenth urotergite, 3+3 bristle-combs in urotergites II-VI and two pairs of abdominal styli, such as Ctenolepisma (C.) ciliatum (Dufour, 1831) or C. (C). longicaudatum Escherich, 1905. Apart from these two species, some others have been described that share the aforementioned characters: C. (C.) iranicum Molero, Kahrarian & Gaju, 2016, C. (C.) armeniacum Molero-Baltanás, Gaju-Ricart, Bach de Roca & Mendes, 2010 and C. (C.) abyssinicum Mendes, 1982 from Iran, Armenia and Ethiopia, respectively. All of these species also possess on the apical article of the labial palp five strong ovoid sensory papillae arranged in a single row (Figs 22–23). They differ from C. udumalpetense sp. n., in the following characters: 1. The prosternum of C. udumalpetense sp. n. has a more rounded apex and only 1+1 pairs of bristle-combs (Fig. 28). Macrosetae of these combs are, as well as those of meso- and metasternum, arranged in a single row. However, related species have at least 2+2 bristle-combs in the prosternum (frequently, 3+3 or more); moreover, the apex of this sternite in C. ciliatum and C. abyssinicum is more acute and the combs of thoracic sternites of C. armeniacum and C. iranicum are double (consist of at least two rows of macrosetae). 2. Ctenolepisma udumalpetense sp. n. has a maximum body length of 6.1 mm, whereas similar species typically reach 8 mm or more. 3. The ovipositor of C. udumalpetense sp. n. is relatively short, not surpassing the tip of the inner process of coxites IX. In the other related species mentioned babove, the ovipositor not only surpasses the apex of coxite IX but also the tip of the styli IX. The number of divisions is also higher in these previously known species (35- 49 in C. ciliatum, even more in other species), while the new Indian species has 29 divisions. This character and the smaller size could correspond to young silverfish, but no specimens of C. udumalpetense sp. n. have been found with a greater size or a longer ovipositor. 4. The femoral scales of C. ciliatum, C. armeniacum and C. iranicum are rounded, while in C. udumalpetense sp. n. are narrower, more or less elliptical (Figs. 31–32). This character has not been described in the remaining species.