A synopsis of the Campodeidae dipluran fauna from China (Arthropoda, Hexapoda) with a taxonomic key

This study provides a detailed examination of the taxonomy and distribution of 25 described Campodeidae diplurans species from the Chinese fauna, which frequently inhabit soil and cave environments. It involves the revision and rewriting of the diagnoses and descriptions for all taxa, based on prepared samples from Chinese scientific collections and new, unprocessed specimens observed via scanning electron microscopy for three species (Metriocampa urumqiensis, Leniwytsmania orientalis, and Lepidocampa weberi).

In addition, the first taxonomic key for Chinese Campodeidae species is presented. This biodiversity includes four subfamilies: Campodeinae (12 species), Plusiocampinae (7 species), Lepidocampinae (5 species), and Syncampinae (1 species). Among these, 16 species are endemic to China, including five genera exclusive to the region: Pseudolibanocampa, Sinocampa, and Syncampa in soil environments, and Hubeicampa and Whittencampa in caves.

The subfamily Syncampinae is only known in China. The richness of Campodeidae in China is the highest in East Asia, but relatively lower compared to the well-sampled and studied Euro-Mediterranean region, located at the opposite end of the Palearctic region. Nevertheless, East Asia should be considered as the origin of three campodeid subfamilies: Plusiocampinae, Lepidocampinae, and Syncampinae.