Abstract
Diplopoda are poorly studied in many regions. The last comprehensive work on the millipede fauna of Switzerland was published in 1993 and listed 124 outdoor-living species. Recent sampling efforts have resulted in the discovery of six millipede species of European origin that were not previously known to occur in Switzerland: Cylindroiulus britannicus (Verhoeff, 1891), C. salicivorusVerhoeff, 1908, C. vulnerarius (Berlese, 1888), Heteroiulus intermedius (Brölemann, 1892), Anamastigona pulchella (Silvestri, 1894) and Macrosternodesmus palicolaBrölemann, 1908. None of them is currently invasive in Switzerland, but some are rapidly expanding across Europe and other regions of the world. A species which was previously only known from northern Italy, H. intermedius, was found in a forest close to Bellinzona. It is likely a native Swiss species which has previously been overlooked. The other five species were collected in human-made habitats in the city of Basel and its surroundings, suggesting human-caused introduction. Two species, C. britannicus and M. palicola, likely have an Atlantic origin, while the three remaining species, C. salicivorus, C. vulnerarius and A. pulchella, are originally from Italy. The biogeography of these six species is discussed, and photographs of specimens of each species and their gonopods are presented.
Highlights
Millipedes (Diplopoda) constitute a highly diverse group of arthropods, with more than 11 000 described species worldwide (Enghoff et al, 2015)
Most millipede species are soil dwelling detritivores, feeding mostly on decaying plant material, but some can feed on fungi, faeces, algae, and rarely, dead invertebrates (David, 2015)
Most millipede species have a relatively low dispersal ability, which results in small distribution ranges and in a high number of endemic and microendemic species (Golovatch & Kime, 2009)
Summary
Millipedes (Diplopoda) constitute a highly diverse group of arthropods, with more than 11 000 described species worldwide (Enghoff et al, 2015). Many species have recently expanded their distribution ranges, some of them being recorded in new biogeographical regions In some cases this is clearly due to human-related transport, and some of these species became invasive (Stoev et al, 2010). Wittenberg (2005) stated that millipedes are a neglected group for which it is not possible to provide a list of invasive species for Switzerland He suggested that their number (together with Chilopoda) should not be more than ten species and these species should not be a threat to the native biodiversity and ecosystems. Recent surveys resulted in six new millipede records for Switzerland, which are presented in this paper Comments on their distribution ranges and their presence in Switzerland are provided, together with photographs of the specimens and their gonopods
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
